There are many types of hoaxes, most notably those delivered via e-mail or claiming UFO or Bigfoot sightings. As long as there are people to fall for them, hoaxes will continue to be played on the unsuspecting. The tips in this how to guide will help provide you with information and tips on how to disprove hoaxes.

• Do you find yourself questioning the validity of UFO sightings? Are you tired of receiving suspect e-mails that make false claims? Does it make you angry when people try to gain notoriety by doctoring photographs to look like Bigfoot? If so, then you might be interested in learning how to disprove a hoax. Continue reading for information on how to get started.

Bigfoot 'costume' hoax (Creative Commons photo by Thomas Roche)

• A hoax is a deliberate deception that may be intended to make people laugh, but will often have more harmful results. In order to accurately disprove a hoax, it is important that you learn to recognize one. Here are some of the more common hoaxes to look out for:

1. UFO or alien sightings - these are usually presented in the form of a photograph and can easily be faked using programs such as Photoshop. These images may also be 'staged' using objects such as strings and balloons.
2. Bigfoot sightings - these also come in the form of 'doctored' photos. Many of the images are shown from far away distances or are deliberately blurred.
3. Animal hoaxes - these include creatures that are often said to be part man and part animal, or species of animals that have not yet been discovered. The proof that many of these creatures exist have been presented in the form of a hoax. Examples include Hogzilla and the Chupacabra.
4. E-mail hoaxes
5. Internet hoaxes
6. Scientific hoaxes

• Next you should find hoaxes that have already been disproved and compare them to the hoax you are trying to discredit. Some suggestions for getting started include:

1. Finding doctored photographs or videos of a hoax similar to the one you have targeted
2. Searching for previous e-mail hoaxes that may mention the same people or company names as a hoax you are investigating

• An important part of disproving a hoax involves research. By gathering accurate information you will be able to make a better case for your claims. You should:

1. Gather background information on the subject of the apparent hoax. If the hoax involves aliens, Bigfoot or the Chupacabra, for example, gathering information refuting the scientific existence of these creatures is a great place to start.
2. Gather historic information. This type of research is excellent regarding scientific or government related hoaxes.
3. Is the information presented in the suspect hoax valid? For example, does the person or company exist that is the subject of a particular e-mail related hoax? Often technical jargon is used that sounds very convincing, but is often just a means of distracting you from the falsified statements or concocted subjects discussed in the e-mail.

• Make sure you do a thorough background check on the hoax you are investigating. Finding inconsistencies in the information presented is often the best way to refute a hoax.

As hoaxes become more elaborate and much easier to stage, it is important to arm yourself with the means of discrediting them. Remember to do your research and always be aware of the subjects most likely to be presented in the form of a hoax.