<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

A hoax is a deliberate attempt to make people believe something that isn't true. They can often be quite elaborate, and may be done to gain an advantage, such as fame or fortune.

Hoaxes have been identified in many areas of the Paranormal, as well as in other fields. However, believers are quick to point out that just because people have impersonated doctors, that doesn't mean that there are no real doctors.

Claims of a hoax may get more publicity in mainstream outlets than the phenomenon had previously, as was the case with the Doug and Dave claim of hoaxing crop circles. Claims of a hoax may also be more readily accepted than claims of a supernatural phenomenon.

Examples of hoaxes include:

• Crop Circles

While not all Crop Circles are proven to be hoaxes some have been proven to be hoaxes.