Baseless claim about Kamala Harris crash spread by mysterious site
www.bbc.com
The false story has been viewed millions of times online - we break down how you can know it was fake.

A story posted on a mysterious website has been widely circulated on social media after it made a baseless claim that Kamala Harris - the Democratic presidential nominee - was involved in an alleged hit-and-run incident.

It claims, without providing evidence, that a 13-year-old girl was left paralysed by the crash, which it says took place in San Francisco in 2011.

The story, which was published on 2 September by a website purporting to be a media organisation called KBSF-San Francisco News, has been widely shared online. Some online posts by right-leaning users citing the story have been viewed millions of times.

BBC Verify has found numerous false details indicating it is fake and the website has now been taken down.

[…]

Fake news stories targeting the US

The story and the website it originally appeared on share striking similarities with a network of fake news websites that masquerade as US local news outlets, which BBC Verify has previously extensively reported on.

John Mark Dougan, a former Florida police officer who relocated to Moscow is one of the key figures behind the network.

Approached by BBC Verify to comment on the hit-and-run story, Mr Dougan denied any involvement, saying: “Do I ever admit to anything? Of course it’s not one of mine.”

The websites mix dozens of genuine news stories taken from real news outlets with what is essentially the real meat of the operation - totally fabricated stories that often include misinformation about Ukraine or target US audiences.

The websites are often set up shortly before the fake stories appear on them, and then go offline after they serve their purpose.

  • StorksforlegsEnglish
    18•4 months ago

    Voting for Harris is ill advised if we are concerned about fascism? Are you really saying this with Trump on the ticket?

    • @ByteOnBikes@slrpnk.net
      13•4 months ago

      Why don’t you want to vote for the felon rapist who has a history of racist comments and has taken money from corporations and foreign government over the Cop lady?

    • FIash Mob #5678
      1•4 months ago

      Yes, I am.

      And I’d suggest that you use a defense other than: “Their guy is as bad as our guy.”

      • HandlesEnglish
        17•4 months ago

        When there are only two options om the ballot and one is set to steer your country into fascism and a recall of human rights — there is no comparison. You vote for the other one.