Was U.S. Aid for Ukraine in 2014 Really Sent to Russia?
Disinformation about American efforts to help Ukraine recirculated through two different crises.
Government
Be Cautious Giving Information To Census Takers-Truth!
This is a warning the Dallas Better Business Bureau that says scammers can attempt to get your personal and financial information as census workers. It offers guidelines and tips for those participating in the census.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Purchased Submachine Guns-Truth!
A forwarded email alleges that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a solicitation request for a number of .40 caliber submachine guns.
Tonopah Solar Company $737 Million Government Loan For Solar Project-Fiction!
A solar energy project in Nevada will create 45 permanent jobs and cost the federal government $737 million, or more than $16 million per job. Also, the brother-in-law of House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stands to gain financially from the project.
Speeding ticket frenzy by law enforcement?-Fiction!
Various cities and states where law enforcement is allegedly on a speeding ticket frenzy.
U.N. Small Arms Resolution – Truth! & Unproven!
This is a forwarded email with an article from Reuters that says that the Obama Administration would back the launching of talks at the United Nations on a treaty that would regulate arms sales. The email warns that this would affect our Second Amendment rights and could result in a ban of all firearms in the United States.
2014 federal tax refunds will be delayed until October 2015 – Satire!
A report that 2014 federal tax refunds will be delayed until October 2015 has sparked concern among taxpayers across the Web.
Senate Bill 2219 to Regulate Media That Insults or Offends Islam in U.S.-Truth!
This is a forwarded email that warns of a law that is making its way through both the House of Representatives and Senate that will criminalize speech that offends or insults Muslims or is considered blasphemy to Islam. The email alleges that Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced “The Hate Crime Reporting Act of 2014″ (S.2219) which seeks “to examine the prevalence of hate crime and hate speech on the Internet, television, and radio to better address such crimes.”
Shutdown Bars Priests from Celebrating Mass at Military Bases-Reported to be True!
This is a forwarded email that alleged that Father Ray Leonard was not allowed to enter the U.S. Naval Base at Kings Bay, Georgia to celebrate Mass. The email said that owing to the government shutdown the chapel doors at the base were locked and a sign was posted on saying that there would be no services until further notice.
Local and State Authorities Cannot Ask for Your Social Security Number -Truth & Fiction!
This email seems to be trying to convey the message that you don’t need a Social Security Number and anybody who asks for it or denies you anything because of not having a Social Security Number is committing a crime.