Fake posts about Japan earthquake put spotlight on nuisance actors, scammers: ‘all about money’
- One of the biggest concerns has been accounts posting fake calls to help rescue trapped individuals, potentially diverting help from other victims
- The problem has been exacerbated by well-meaning social media users who pass the original inaccurate messages on, amplifying the lie and giving it legitimacy
The Japanese government is calling on the public not to be taken in by fake social media posts with inaccurate information about the earthquake that struck the central region on New Year’s Day, or fall for false appeals for financial help.
One of the biggest concerns has been accounts posting fake calls to help rescue individuals trapped beneath rubble, potentially diverting help from other victims. Given that the critical 72-hour window for rescuers to reach victims expired at 4pm on Thursday, every minute could mean the difference between life and death, officials have said.
Authorities say there have been several different types of misinformation messages sent since the magnitude-7.6 tremor toppled buildings and triggered a series of powerful tsunami and fires that have destroyed hundreds of buildings.
Some messages have been posted by people claiming to have lost their homes and possessions and providing a link to a page where well-wishers can send money. Some of these accounts may be genuine, but others are likely to be scams, officials have said.
Other video clips are being posted by people who simply want attention, experts told This Week in Asia, while a third category is made up of those who are monetising their social media accounts by linking the number of impressions their posts generate to advertising revenue.