A hoax is a deliberate deception designed to trick people into believing something that is false. It often involves misleading information or fabricated events, and can be spread through various means, including social media, news outlets, or word of mouth. Hoaxes can range from harmless pranks to serious scams that can cause significant harm.
Common examples of hoaxes include fake news stories, urban legends, and fraudulent schemes. Some well-known hoaxes, like the Piltdown Man or the War of the Worlds radio broadcast, have had lasting impacts on public perception and trust in information sources.