Hoax Spotting

Hoax Spotting Over the years, I’ve encountered countless rumors, stories, and “evidence” of Sasquatch. While many come from sincere researchers and witnesses, others turn out to be elaborately staged or sometimes not so elaborate hoaxes.
Having navigated this landscape for a long time, I’ve become familiar with several telltale signs that suggest a claim may not be genuine. My goal here is to help fellow enthusiasts recognize when a Bigfoot claim could be suspect, so we can all avoid wasting time on deliberate fabrications.

Here's a few tips:

The Hype Cycle: One of the first signals of a potential hoax is an exaggerated sense of drama. If someone announces “shocking new evidence” but refuses to share any tangible details, that’s often a red flag. Hoaxers typically rely on stirring up excitement and suspense to keep their audience engaged—while never quite delivering the goods. Instead of verifiable proof, what you’ll see are hints, teasers, and repeated promises that “big news is coming,” only for that news to fall flat or never materialize.
Contradictory Backstories: Pay attention to the origins of the alleged sighting or evidence. If the timeline changes or if the story’s details keep shifting, you might be looking at a hoax. In many fabrications, an individual struggles to keep all their “facts” straight, so important components of the story drift over time. Another warning sign is a person who claims they were once super-secret insiders in multiple fields—law enforcement, military, or high-level science—without any verifiable credentials.
Reliance on Excuses: A hallmark trait of hoaxers is their abundance of excuses whenever asked for something concrete—photos, videos, samples, or documentation. They may claim: Their camera malfunctioned exactly at the critical moment. The evidence must remain hidden for “legal reasons” or to “protect the creature.” They have professional experts lined up who, for confidentiality’s sake, cannot be named. While there can be valid reasons for being cautious—respecting property rights, for instance—persistent and unending excuses usually do more to cloud the issue than clarify it.
Lack of Independent Verification: Legitimate evidence can be replicated or at least verified by external experts. If someone insists you trust only their word but refuses to allow independent testing of footprints, DNA samples, or other forms of proof, that’s suspicious. Authentic discoveries welcome scientific scrutiny because credible researchers want solid confirmation. Hoaxers, on the other hand, avoid letting outside parties take a close look.
Over-the-Top Claims Without Detail: If a person claims to have dozens of cast footprints, hair samples, pictures, and alleged living spaces, but never reveals these items or only provides the vaguest pictures possible, you’re probably dealing with a hoax. Real researchers might not share everything publicly right away, but they do tend to release something tangible once they’re ready—especially if they’re serious about contributing to the field.
Dramatic Cast of Characters: Some hoaxes also involve a dramatic group dynamic: a secret “team,” shadowy sponsors, or big-name connections that are never substantiated. Hoaxers may drop famous names, referencing scientists or celebrities, hinting at unseen partnerships to bolster credibility. Again, reputable figures typically don’t shroud their involvement in total secrecy—there will be at least some corroboration.
Financial Motive and Instant “Fame”: Many hoaxes arise because someone sees Bigfoot as a pathway to fast money—through ads, merchandise, or direct donations. While generating revenue doesn’t automatically mean the claim is fake, a hefty focus on fundraising, combined with the lack of any real, testable proof, often spells trouble. If the hoaxer repeatedly pushes you to “invest now” in exchange for sensational secrets, think twice before parting with your wallet.
History of Questionable Conduct: Finally, it’s wise to check any individual’s track record. Has this person been involved in controversies or outright scams in the past? Sometimes you’ll find the same names pop up repeatedly, each time claiming they have “irrefutable” new evidence—only for it to be debunked. A consistent pattern of unsubstantiated claims is a major red flag.

Staying Vigilant We all want genuine discoveries—tangible evidence that helps us better understand the legendary Sasquatch. However, in a field where hard proof is elusive, it’s easy for charlatans to exploit our curiosity.

By paying attention to the behaviors and inconsistencies mentioned above, you’ll be much better equipped to recognize when someone’s spinning a tall tale rather than revealing a real breakthrough.

At the end of the day, keep your eyes open for verifiable data, consistent stories, and willingness to involve credible third parties. Healthy skepticism doesn’t mean you disbelieve everything; it means you use logic and discernment to separate the authentic from the synthetic.

After all, in the realm of Bigfoot research, that’s part of the journey.

Hoax by Ivan Marx. (Costume)

The Independence Day Hoax. (CGI made)

Bigfoot Peeper Hoax. (Phone App)

Labor Day Hoax. (Repurposing photos)

Steve Cautheron Hoax (Screen grab off TV)

Shawn Bannon Hoax. (Admitted)

Mississippi Skunk Ape Hoax (Made for Pseudo-Documentary TV Program)