PROJECT: FAKE NEWS

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Specialised Security Services urges the public to remain vigilant against the growing threat of fake news, which continues to spread rapidly across social media and messaging platforms. Fake news often exploits our emotions, beliefs, and trust in familiar sources to manipulate and mislead us. Through psychological tactics like fearmongering, confirmation bias, and information overload, individuals are easily drawn into sharing or believing false stories.

SSS encourages South Africans to pause before reacting, verify information through credible channels,

and educate themselves on how to identify and avoid misinformation in today’s digital landscape.

WHY WE BELIEVE FAKE NEWS:

EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION:
- Fake news is often crafted to trigger strong emotions - anger, fear, hope, outrage.
- When emotions run high, our critical thinking tends to shut down.
- A headline like "Doctors admit vaccine causes mind control" triggers fear and distrust, pushing people to share before verifying.
- When you feel emotionally triggered, pause.
- That is usually the first sign of manipulation.
CONFIRMATION BIAS:
- We are more likely to believe and share news that supports what we already believe, even if it is false.
- If someone distrusts the government, they are more likely to believe fake news that "confirms" government conspiracies.
- Ask yourself: “Do I believe this because it is true or because I want it to be true?”
ECHO CHAMBERS & FILTER BUBBLES:
- Social media algorithms show us content similar to that which we have liked previously, creating echo chambers.
- We are repeatedly exposed to the same viewpoints and stories, which makes even false information feel familiar and trustworthy.
- Repetition = perceived truth. It is called the "illusory truth effect."
- Follow diverse, reputable sources actively.
- Break out of the bubble.
TRUST IN PERSONAL SOURCES:
- People tend to trust information shared by friends, family, or community leaders, even when inaccurate.
  - "I saw it in the church group WhatsApp - it must be true."
- Always verify before resharing, even if it came from someone you trust.
LACK OF MEDIA LITERACY:
- Many people lack training on how to critically assess online content.
- People may not recognise satire, altered images, or fake URLS that imitate real news outlets.
- Learn to spot telltale signs of fake news.
MANIPULATED VISUALS AND DEEPFAKES:
- Photos and videos can be edited to tell a false or AI-generated story.
- A photo out of context or a "deepfake" video can lead people to believe in events that never occurred.
- Use reverse image searches to check where a photo originated.

HOW TO AVOID FALLING FOR FAKE NEWS:

CHECK THE SOURCE:
- Is it a known, credible news outlet?
- Does it have an editorial policy?
- Does the URL look suspicious (e.g., "bbc-news.site" instead of "bbc.com")?
READ BEYOND THE HEADLINE:
- Fake news often uses clickbait headlines that don't reflect the article's actual content.
- Headlines are designed to be emotional and misleading - dig deeper.
CROSS-CHECK INFORMATION:
- Look for the story on multiple reputable sites.
- If no major outlet is reporting it, that is a red flag.
USE FACT-CHECKING TOOLS:
- Africa Check
- Snopes
- Google Fact Check Explorer
BE SUSPICIOUS OF URGENCY:
- Phrases like "BREAKING," "ACT NOW," and "SHARE THIS BEFORE IT IS DELETED!" are designed to create panic.
LOOK FOR EVIDENCE:
- Are sources named?
- Are there links to studies, quotes from real people, or original documents?
SLOW DOWN:
- Take a moment before reacting or sharing. Ask:
  - Who made this?
  - Why did they make it?
  - Is this the full story?

CONSEQUENCES OF FAKE NEWS:

Vaccine misinformation has caused disease outbreaks.
Political fake news can influence elections and fuel unrest.
False crime reports have led to vigilante violence and innocent deaths.
Scam news articles lure people into fraudulent investments or false hope (e.g., "government grant" scams).

In South Africa, WhatsApp and Facebook are common sources of news, particularly in areas with limited data connectivity.
- Unfortunately, this makes them a hotbed for unverified and misleading information, especially in community or church groups.
- Fake warnings about kidnappings at malls or fake SASSA grant announcements have gone viral with no basis.
- Always verify messages on Africa Check or local news before forwarding.
- If it is urgent and poorly written, it is likely fake.
South Africans have been targeted with fake articles claiming investment opportunities tied to celebrities or political figures, such as "Cyril Ramaphosa supports this Bitcoin scheme."
- These are often deepfake or AI-generated.
- If something seems too good to be true, especially when it involves easy money, it is likely a scam.
Xenophobia, fuelled by misinformation created by fake stories blaming foreigners for crime or social problems, has repeatedly sparked violence and looting.
- Much of this is spread via social media without verified sources.
- Always check whether police or government officials have confirmed any claims.
- Do not trust images or posts without context.
During elections, disinformation campaigns have targeted political parties and candidates.
- Fake posters, misquoted speeches or manipulated videos are used to sway opinions and create division.
- To verify, use official party pages, the IEC website, and well-known news outlets like :
  - News24,
  - Daily Maverick,
  - eNCA, or
  - GroundUp.
Fake news in SA often plays on deep social fears - from Satanic panic stories to fake alerts about human trafficking and organ harvesting.
- These stories spread fast because they tap into long-standing cultural narratives.
- Be extra cautious with stories that spark fear or outrage and have no names, dates, or official sources.

In a world flooded with information, being informed is no longer enough - always be sceptical, aware, and responsible.

Every share, like, and comment will amplify truth or spread harm.

DO NOT BE THE ONE TO SPREAD HARM.

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Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

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