Urban Legends: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Urban Legends Photo Quiz: Spot the Fakes!
Real or Fake? The Urban Legends Photo Quiz
Real or Fake? The Urban Legends Photo Quiz
'Postcard' or 'Postcard from Hallmark' Virus Hoax - Netlore Archive
Hoax email alert warns of 'the worst virus ever' circulating in the form of an attachment labeled 'POSTCARD' or 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK'
Hoax email alert warns of 'the worst virus ever' circulating in the form of an attachment labeled 'POSTCARD' or 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK'
Top 25 Urban Legends
Most popular urban legends topics of the past week
Most popular urban legends topics of the past week
Current Hoaxes / Netlore
From About.com: Current Internet hoaxes, email rumors and urban legends debunked - your resource for information on all the latest misinformation on the Net
From About.com: Current Internet hoaxes, email rumors and urban legends debunked - your resource for information on all the latest misinformation on the Net
Amazing Tsunami Picture - Netlore Archive
Emailed image purports to show the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004 washing ashore on the Thai island of Phuket (or Indonesia, depending on version
Emailed image purports to show the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004 washing ashore on the Thai island of Phuket (or Indonesia, depending on version
Cook County Correctional Center (Photos) - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos purportedly show the stylish and comfortable new digs of prison inmates in Chicago's Cook County Correctional Center
Emailed photos purportedly show the stylish and comfortable new digs of prison inmates in Chicago's Cook County Correctional Center
Test Your Urban Legends IQ
Urban Legends Quiz: Test your urban legends IQ!
Urban Legends Quiz: Test your urban legends IQ!
Hercules, World's Biggest Dog - Netlore Archive
Emailed image of a gargantuan dog named Hercules, purportedly the Guinness Record holder for World's Biggest Dog
Emailed image of a gargantuan dog named Hercules, purportedly the Guinness Record holder for World's Biggest Dog
Latest Updates & Additions: Net Hoaxes, Urban Legends & Rumors
Information on all the latest misinformation on the Net - Internet hoaxes, rumors and urban legends
Information on all the latest misinformation on the Net - Internet hoaxes, rumors and urban legends
Is Barack Obama a Muslim? - Netlore Archive
Email rumor alleges that U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is a Muslim who has lied about his religious background, including his claim to being a devout Christian
Email rumor alleges that U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is a Muslim who has lied about his religious background, including his claim to being a devout Christian
Breast Infestation - Netlore Archive
Ladies, wash your underwear in boiling water! Emailed image and video purport to document the medical case of anthropologist Susan McKinley, who failed to seek treatment for a rash and wound up with an infestation of larvae in her breast.
Ladies, wash your underwear in boiling water! Emailed image and video purport to document the medical case of anthropologist Susan McKinley, who failed to seek treatment for a rash and wound up with an infestation of larvae in her breast.
Bill Gates Is Sharing His Fortune! - Netlore Archive
Sorry, folks. Microsoft and AOL have not merged, nor has Bill Gates decided to share his fortune with people who forward silly chain letters
Sorry, folks. Microsoft and AOL have not merged, nor has Bill Gates decided to share his fortune with people who forward silly chain letters
Jamie Lee Curtis
Longstanding (and unproven) rumors claim actress Jamie Lee Curtis is a hermaphrodite or was born intersex and underwent surgery to become a woman
Longstanding (and unproven) rumors claim actress Jamie Lee Curtis is a hermaphrodite or was born intersex and underwent surgery to become a woman
Brown Recluse Spider Bite (Photos) - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos purport to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of the poisonous brown recluse spider
Emailed photos purport to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of the poisonous brown recluse spider
The Eye of God? (Hubble Telescope Photo) - Netlore Archive
NASA photo taken by the Hubble Space Telescope has been labeled the 'Eye of God' by frequent forwarders
NASA photo taken by the Hubble Space Telescope has been labeled the 'Eye of God' by frequent forwarders
Camel Spider in Iraq (Photo) - Netlore Archive
Attack of the Camel Spider! Emailed photo taken by U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq shows a pair of huge, scary-looking insects known as camel spiders.
Attack of the Camel Spider! Emailed photo taken by U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq shows a pair of huge, scary-looking insects known as camel spiders.
Hercules the Liger (Photos) - Netlore Archive
AUTHENTIC: Emailed photos of a 10-foot 'liger' (a cross between a lion and a tiger) named Hercules
AUTHENTIC: Emailed photos of a 10-foot 'liger' (a cross between a lion and a tiger) named Hercules
Richard Gere & the Gerbil
I don't mean to sound cranky, but all too often when I tell folks I debunk urban legends for a living, the first question that pops out of their mouths is: 'What about that thing with Richard Gere and the gerbil? Is THAT true?'
I don't mean to sound cranky, but all too often when I tell folks I debunk urban legends for a living, the first question that pops out of their mouths is: 'What about that thing with Richard Gere and the gerbil? Is THAT true?'
Animal-Human Hybrid (Photo) - Netlore Archive
Circulating via email, an unsettling photograph of what appears to be a half-human, half-animal creature suckling her hybrid offspring
Circulating via email, an unsettling photograph of what appears to be a half-human, half-animal creature suckling her hybrid offspring
Mr. Rogers a Sniper?
Was Fred Rogers, longtime host of the children's TV show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, a trained sharpshooter with dozens of kills to his credit as a Marine sniper (or Navy Seal)?
Was Fred Rogers, longtime host of the children's TV show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, a trained sharpshooter with dozens of kills to his credit as a Marine sniper (or Navy Seal)?
Did Nostradamus Predict 9/11?
Internet rumors claim French seer Nostradamus predicted the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon 500 years before they happened.
Internet rumors claim French seer Nostradamus predicted the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon 500 years before they happened.
World's Tallest Woman - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos purport to show the world's tallest woman at 7 feet, 4 inches tall and 320 pounds
Emailed photos purport to show the world's tallest woman at 7 feet, 4 inches tall and 320 pounds
Giant Catfish Caught in Lake Texoma (2004) - Netlore Archive
Emailed photo of a huge catfish supposedly caught in Lake Texoma, Texas
Emailed photo of a huge catfish supposedly caught in Lake Texoma, Texas
Shark Attacks Helicopter! - Netlore Archive
Photo purporting to show a great white shark lunging out of the water to attack a scuba diver dangling from a helicopter ladder
Photo purporting to show a great white shark lunging out of the water to attack a scuba diver dangling from a helicopter ladder
World Record Grizzly Bear (Photos) - Netlore Archive
Are emailed pictures of a giant, 1,600-pound, man-eating grizzly bear allegedly killed in Alaska by a hunter or Forest Service employee real?
Are emailed pictures of a giant, 1,600-pound, man-eating grizzly bear allegedly killed in Alaska by a hunter or Forest Service employee real?
Ciara's Secret Sex Change
Internet rumors are flying to the effect that hip-hop/R&B star Ciara was born a man and is either a transvestite or underwent a sex-change operation to become a transsexual
Internet rumors are flying to the effect that hip-hop/R&B star Ciara was born a man and is either a transvestite or underwent a sex-change operation to become a transsexual
Pit Bull vs. Porcupine (Photos) - Netlore Archive
Emailed images show the result of an unfortunate encounter between a 'pit bull' and a porcupine
Emailed images show the result of an unfortunate encounter between a 'pit bull' and a porcupine
World's Biggest Dog
Emailed image of a gargantuan dog named Hercules, purportedly the Guinness Record holder for World's Biggest Dog.
Emailed image of a gargantuan dog named Hercules, purportedly the Guinness Record holder for World's Biggest Dog.
Why the Ocean Is So Salty - Netlore Archive
Is it true that a blue whale produces over 400 gallons of sperm when it ejaculates, and that explains the saltiness of the ocean?
Is it true that a blue whale produces over 400 gallons of sperm when it ejaculates, and that explains the saltiness of the ocean?
Ericsson 'Free Laptop' Hoax
Email chain letter claims phone manufacturer Ericsson will give away free laptop computers to those who forward the message to at least eight people
Email chain letter claims phone manufacturer Ericsson will give away free laptop computers to those who forward the message to at least eight people
Cell Phone 'Do Not Call' List?
Forwarded email warns that a directory of cell phone numbers will soon be published and urges users to enter their cell phone numbers on a federal 'Do Not Call' list to prevent unsolicited calls from telemarketers
Forwarded email warns that a directory of cell phone numbers will soon be published and urges users to enter their cell phone numbers on a federal 'Do Not Call' list to prevent unsolicited calls from telemarketers
Listerine Mosquito Control?
Forwarded email claims spraying an outside area with Listerine mouthwash repels and/or kills every mosquito in the vicinity
Forwarded email claims spraying an outside area with Listerine mouthwash repels and/or kills every mosquito in the vicinity
Do They Eat Babies in China?
Do they eat babies in China? Photos circulating on the Internet purport to show a Chinese man cooking and eating a human baby or fetus. Are they real?
Do they eat babies in China? Photos circulating on the Internet purport to show a Chinese man cooking and eating a human baby or fetus. Are they real?
Black and White Twins (Photos) - Netlore Archive
Emailed images show a pair of twin sisters - one black, the other white - born to a British couple who both had mixed-race parents
Emailed images show a pair of twin sisters - one black, the other white - born to a British couple who both had mixed-race parents
Dr. James Dobson vs. Petition No. 2493 (Religious Broadcasting) - Netlore Archive
New email variants of decades-old petition expressing outrage over alleged attempt by atheists to force a government ban on religious broadcasting in the United States
New email variants of decades-old petition expressing outrage over alleged attempt by atheists to force a government ban on religious broadcasting in the United States
FW: Don't Feed Your Cat Table Scraps - Netlore Archive
Emailed photo of a really, really big housecat
Emailed photo of a really, really big housecat
Top 10 Scariest Urban Legends
The Top 10 scariest urban legends ever told
The Top 10 scariest urban legends ever told
Giant Catfish
Emailed photo of a huge catfish supposedly caught in Lake Texoma, Texas.
Emailed photo of a huge catfish supposedly caught in Lake Texoma, Texas.
Bottled Water Safety Alert
Forwarded email warns women not to drink bottled water that has been left in a car because the heat supposedly releases cancer-causing toxins which 'leak' from the plastic into the water.
Forwarded email warns women not to drink bottled water that has been left in a car because the heat supposedly releases cancer-causing toxins which 'leak' from the plastic into the water.
Shark Attacks Helicopter
Is that a great white shark lunging out of the water to attack a scuba diver dangling from that helicopter rescue ladder?
Is that a great white shark lunging out of the water to attack a scuba diver dangling from that helicopter rescue ladder?
Test Your Urban Legends IQ - Advanced Level
Urban Legends Quiz: Test your urban legends IQ!
Urban Legends Quiz: Test your urban legends IQ!
Obama Not a U.S. Citizen?
Email rumor claims that Barack Obama is ineligible to become president because according to the laws in effect at the time of his birth he is not a natural-born citizen of the U.S.
Email rumor claims that Barack Obama is ineligible to become president because according to the laws in effect at the time of his birth he is not a natural-born citizen of the U.S.
90# Telephone Scam - Netlore Archive
The 90# Telephone Scam - Patrick Crispen of The Internet Tourbus weighs in on a PARTLY true Net rumor
The 90# Telephone Scam - Patrick Crispen of The Internet Tourbus weighs in on a PARTLY true Net rumor
Was a Giant Human Skeleton Found in Saudi Arabia Desert? - Netlore Archive
'Recent gas exploration activity in the southeast region of the Arabian desert uncovered skeletal remains of a human of phenomenal size'
'Recent gas exploration activity in the southeast region of the Arabian desert uncovered skeletal remains of a human of phenomenal size'
Animals & Insects - Net hoaxes, urban legends & rumors
Current Netlore: Animals & insects
Current Netlore: Animals & insects
The Altoids Effect - Altoids Mints and Oral Sex - Netlore Archive
Altoids Lore: Does chewing this 'curiously strong' brand of mint before fellatio (oral sex) enhance the pleasure?
Altoids Lore: Does chewing this 'curiously strong' brand of mint before fellatio (oral sex) enhance the pleasure?
PIN Number Reversal - Use Reverse PIN to Contact Police in ATM Emergency? - Netlore Archive
Email rumor claims ATM users can contact police in the event of an attempted robbery by entering their PIN in reverse
Email rumor claims ATM users can contact police in the event of an attempted robbery by entering their PIN in reverse
Secret Cell Phone Tips?
Email flier purports to clue readers in on various 'unknown' tips and tricks for cell phone use
Email flier purports to clue readers in on various 'unknown' tips and tricks for cell phone use
The Urban Legends Slide Show - The Eye of God
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
Fatal Spider Bite in North Florida - Netlore Archive
Recycled email prank warning of the dangers of the Two-Striped Telamonia, purportedly a poisonous spider that hides under toilet seats and has killed five people in North Florida
Recycled email prank warning of the dangers of the Two-Striped Telamonia, purportedly a poisonous spider that hides under toilet seats and has killed five people in North Florida
Maureen Dowd/Obama Hoax
Phony op-ed column attributed to [i]New York Times[/i] writer Maureen Dowd claims Barack Obama has accepted campaign donations from foreign countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Phony op-ed column attributed to [i]New York Times[/i] writer Maureen Dowd claims Barack Obama has accepted campaign donations from foreign countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran.
John Dillinger's Private Parts
Dear Guide: I believe I read an article by Robert Anton Wilson a ways back regarding the Smithsonian or some D.C. museum housing private parts of famous people - John Dillinger, for example. Is there any truth to this folklore?
Dear Guide: I believe I read an article by Robert Anton Wilson a ways back regarding the Smithsonian or some D.C. museum housing private parts of famous people - John Dillinger, for example. Is there any truth to this folklore?
Urban Legends Sex Quiz
Quiz: Urban Legends about romance, sex, and scandal
Quiz: Urban Legends about romance, sex, and scandal
You've Received a Postcard (Trojan / Virus) - Netlore Archive
Real virus: Messages with subject headers such as 'You've received a postcard from a school-mate!' etc. contain links to malicious Web pages
Real virus: Messages with subject headers such as 'You've received a postcard from a school-mate!' etc. contain links to malicious Web pages
Brain Maggots / Sushi Worms - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos of a man whose brain allegedly became infested with maggots (or worms) as a result of an ingrown hair (or eating sushi)
Emailed photos of a man whose brain allegedly became infested with maggots (or worms) as a result of an ingrown hair (or eating sushi)
Barack Obama Antichrist
Email rumor claims charismatic U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama is the Antichrist prophesied in the New Testament
Email rumor claims charismatic U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama is the Antichrist prophesied in the New Testament
Doctors Find Live Worm in Patient's Eye - Netlore Archive
When the doctors operated, what was thought to be a growth or cyst actually turned out to be a live worm; what was thought initially to be mere dust in the patient's eye was actually an insect's egg...
When the doctors operated, what was thought to be a growth or cyst actually turned out to be a live worm; what was thought initially to be mere dust in the patient's eye was actually an insect's egg...
The Urban Legends Slide Show - Hercules the Liger
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
Pepsi Omits 'Under God' in Patriotic Can Promotion - Netlore Archive
Baseless email campaign protests the alleged omission of the words 'under God' in an excerpt from the Pledge of Allegiance on special promotional Pepsi cans
Baseless email campaign protests the alleged omission of the words 'under God' in an excerpt from the Pledge of Allegiance on special promotional Pepsi cans
Camel Spiders
Taken by U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq, this snapshot shows a pair of huge, scary-looking insects known as camel spiders.
Taken by U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq, this snapshot shows a pair of huge, scary-looking insects known as camel spiders.
Origin of the F-Word - Netlore Archive
In which we are told -- with a straight face -- that the word 'fuck' originated as the acronym of 'Fornication Under Consent of the King' (or some variation thereof)
In which we are told -- with a straight face -- that the word 'fuck' originated as the acronym of 'Fornication Under Consent of the King' (or some variation thereof)
World's Highest Bridge - Netlore Archive
Emailed photo of the world's highest bridge, the Millau Viaduct in southern France
Emailed photo of the world's highest bridge, the Millau Viaduct in southern France
Snake Swallows Man - Netlore Archive
Series of photos circulating via email purports to show a gigantic snake - said to be an anaconda, python, or boa constrictor - swallowing a human being whole
Series of photos circulating via email purports to show a gigantic snake - said to be an anaconda, python, or boa constrictor - swallowing a human being whole
The Urban Legends Slide Show - Brain Maggots / Sushi Worms (#1)
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
Chimera
Circulating via email, an unsettling photograph of what appears to be a half-human, half-animal creature suckling her hybrid offspring.
Circulating via email, an unsettling photograph of what appears to be a half-human, half-animal creature suckling her hybrid offspring.
Dead Mermaid Found in the Philippines - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos purportedly show the carcass of a dead mermaid found washed up on a beach in the Philippines
Emailed photos purportedly show the carcass of a dead mermaid found washed up on a beach in the Philippines
The \$250 Cookie Recipe
Here is a 'true story' almost everyone has heard by now - the infamous $250 Cookie Recipe, most recently associated with the Neiman Marcus company, but previously (during the 1980s) the bane of cookie diva Mrs. Fields
Here is a 'true story' almost everyone has heard by now - the infamous $250 Cookie Recipe, most recently associated with the Neiman Marcus company, but previously (during the 1980s) the bane of cookie diva Mrs. Fields
The Urban Legends Slide Show
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
Origin of the S-Word: 'Ship High in Transit' - Netlore Archive
In which we are told, with a straight face, that the word 'shit' originated as the acronym of 'Ship High in Transit,' a nautical phrase
In which we are told, with a straight face, that the word 'shit' originated as the acronym of 'Ship High in Transit,' a nautical phrase
Crocodile Eats Golfer (Photo) - Netlore Archive
The impatient golfer was not located, but his clubs were found on the hole. Three days later, Ole Mose was spotted on the seventh hole and was an immediate suspect...
The impatient golfer was not located, but his clubs were found on the hole. Three days later, Ole Mose was spotted on the seventh hole and was an immediate suspect...
Crocodile Eats Golfer
The impatient golfer was never located, but his clubs were found on the hole. Three days later, 'Ole Mose' was spotted on the seventh hole and was an immediate suspect...
The impatient golfer was never located, but his clubs were found on the hole. Three days later, 'Ole Mose' was spotted on the seventh hole and was an immediate suspect...
Breast Infestation
This image purports to document the medical case of a female anthropologist who failed to seek treatment for a skin rash and wound up with an infestation of larvae in her breast. Not a pretty picture.
This image purports to document the medical case of a female anthropologist who failed to seek treatment for a skin rash and wound up with an infestation of larvae in her breast. Not a pretty picture.
Giant Texas Rattlesnake - Netlore Archive
Emailed picture of a giant rattlesnake killed in Texas, allegedly measuring 9 feet 1 inch in length and weighing 97 pounds
Emailed picture of a giant rattlesnake killed in Texas, allegedly measuring 9 feet 1 inch in length and weighing 97 pounds
A Snake, Fishing
Emailed image shows a very large snake - evidently a python - pulling its prey - evidently a wallaby, though some have labeled it a 'cow' - out of a body of water in Western Australia.
Emailed image shows a very large snake - evidently a python - pulling its prey - evidently a wallaby, though some have labeled it a 'cow' - out of a body of water in Western Australia.
Tsunami in Action
Emailed image purports to show the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004 washing ashore on the Thai island of Phuket (or Indonesia, depending on version).
Emailed image purports to show the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004 washing ashore on the Thai island of Phuket (or Indonesia, depending on version).
Dead Mermaid Found After Tsunami - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos allegedly show the carcass of a dead mermaid washed up on a beach at Chennai, India by the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004
Emailed photos allegedly show the carcass of a dead mermaid washed up on a beach at Chennai, India by the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004
Piranha on Steroids
Circulating via email, a photo of fishermen holding a large fish with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, variously captioned: 'Piranha on Steroids' or 'World Record Piranha.'
Circulating via email, a photo of fishermen holding a large fish with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, variously captioned: 'Piranha on Steroids' or 'World Record Piranha.'
How to Cook an Egg with Your Cell Phone - Netlore Archive
Forwarded messages offer scientific proof that you can cook an egg by placing it between two cell phones and placing a call
Forwarded messages offer scientific proof that you can cook an egg by placing it between two cell phones and placing a call
Why Friday the 13th Is Unlucky
As folklorists, we may not be able to cure paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th), but we can at least lend its sufferers a few good excuses.
As folklorists, we may not be able to cure paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th), but we can at least lend its sufferers a few good excuses.
Monster Crocodile
Emailed photo of a gigantic crocodile fished from the sea in the port of Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo.
Emailed photo of a gigantic crocodile fished from the sea in the port of Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo.
World Record Grizzly Bear
These pictures are of a guy who works for the forest service in Alaska. He was out deer hunting. A large world record Griz charged him from about 50 yards away.
These pictures are of a guy who works for the forest service in Alaska. He was out deer hunting. A large world record Griz charged him from about 50 yards away.
Brain Maggots / Sushi Worms
A set of photos showing a man whose brain allegedly became infested with maggots (or 'worms') as a result of letting an ingrown hair go untreated (or eating sushi, depending on version).
A set of photos showing a man whose brain allegedly became infested with maggots (or 'worms') as a result of letting an ingrown hair go untreated (or eating sushi, depending on version).
The Urban Legends Slide Show - Brain Maggots / Sushi Worms (#2)
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
Quiz: Celebrity Urban Legends
Quiz: Celebrity Urban Legends
Quiz: Celebrity Urban Legends
Fw: New Summer Trends (Photos) - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos purportedly depicting 'new summer trends' show women with symmetrical rows of skin-piercings on their torsos laced up like old-fashioned corsets
Emailed photos purportedly depicting 'new summer trends' show women with symmetrical rows of skin-piercings on their torsos laced up like old-fashioned corsets
Giant Mutant Cat #2
Email caption: 'Why You Don't Feed Your Cat Table Scraps.'
Email caption: 'Why You Don't Feed Your Cat Table Scraps.'
412-Pound Deer
Emailed photo allegedly shows a 412-pound deer killed by a hunter in Clarion County, Pennsylvania - or in Nebraska, depending on version
Emailed photo allegedly shows a 412-pound deer killed by a hunter in Clarion County, Pennsylvania - or in Nebraska, depending on version
Progesterex - Date Rape Drug - Netlore Archive
Hoax! Email alert warns of a new date rape drug on college campuses - 'Progesterex' - which allegedly sterilizes female victims
Hoax! Email alert warns of a new date rape drug on college campuses - 'Progesterex' - which allegedly sterilizes female victims
The Urban Legends Slide Show - Human Statue of Liberty
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
The Urban Legends Slide Show - World's Tallest Woman (#2)
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
Catfish Eats Basketball
Emailed photos show a flathead catfish with a child's basketball stuck in its mouth.
Emailed photos show a flathead catfish with a child's basketball stuck in its mouth.
Play the Urban Legends Name Game!
Urban Legends Q & A: Play the Urban Legends Game!
Urban Legends Q & A: Play the Urban Legends Game!
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Is in a Coma, Near Death - Netlore Archive
Hoax email purporting to be a 'news item' from CNN claims famed basketball player Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is in a coma and dying in a Los Angeles hospital
Hoax email purporting to be a 'news item' from CNN claims famed basketball player Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is in a coma and dying in a Los Angeles hospital
Sneaky Shark
His parents, posing in their scuba gear for an underwater picture, couldn't understand why he suddenly panicked and swam frantically to the suface ... but not before taking the vacation snapshot of a lifetime.
His parents, posing in their scuba gear for an underwater picture, couldn't understand why he suddenly panicked and swam frantically to the suface ... but not before taking the vacation snapshot of a lifetime.
Giant Mutant Cat
Photograph of a gigantic housecat named Snowball and his owner, Roger Degagne of Ontario.
Photograph of a gigantic housecat named Snowball and his owner, Roger Degagne of Ontario.
Herman the Giant Bunny Rabbit - Netlore Archive
Emailed image of a very large 'German Giant' rabbit named Herman, in the arms of his owner, Hans Wagner
Emailed image of a very large 'German Giant' rabbit named Herman, in the arms of his owner, Hans Wagner
*77 or #77 Cell Phone Feature - Netlore Archive
Female college student pulled over in her car by a cop-impersonating would-be rapist is rescued by a real officer after dialing #77 (or *77) on her cell phone
Female college student pulled over in her car by a cop-impersonating would-be rapist is rescued by a real officer after dialing #77 (or *77) on her cell phone
Petition to Deny Social Security Benefits to Illegal Immigrants - Netlore Archive
Email petition addressed to President Bush advocates a citizenship requirement for immigrants receiving Social Security and other government services
Email petition addressed to President Bush advocates a citizenship requirement for immigrants receiving Social Security and other government services
The Urban Legends Slide Show - Animal-Human Hybrid
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
Texas Rattlesnake
Next time you're out in the tall grass, remember this one. This snake was recently found at the J & S Quik Mart located just south of RR 3014 Turnoff on Highway 281 south of Tow, Texas.
Next time you're out in the tall grass, remember this one. This snake was recently found at the J & S Quik Mart located just south of RR 3014 Turnoff on Highway 281 south of Tow, Texas.
Obama Visits All 57 States
Forwarded email quotes a campaign-weary Barack Obama saying he has campaigned (or plans to campaign) in 'all 57 states.' Lo and behold, allegedly, it turns out there are 57 Islamic states.
Forwarded email quotes a campaign-weary Barack Obama saying he has campaigned (or plans to campaign) in 'all 57 states.' Lo and behold, allegedly, it turns out there are 57 Islamic states.
Brown Recluse Spider Bite (6)
This rather disturbing sequence of images purports to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of the poisonous brown recluse spider.
This rather disturbing sequence of images purports to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of the poisonous brown recluse spider.
The Lion Cut
This image captures the expression of 'one seriously pissed off cat' after its groomer misunderstood the owner's instructions and gave the poor beast a 'lion cut' instead of a 'line cut.'
This image captures the expression of 'one seriously pissed off cat' after its groomer misunderstood the owner's instructions and gave the poor beast a 'lion cut' instead of a 'line cut.'
Cougar on the Porch
Amateur photos taken through a screen door show a cougar (mountain lion) prowling the porch or patio of someone's suburban home.
Amateur photos taken through a screen door show a cougar (mountain lion) prowling the porch or patio of someone's suburban home.
Ghost of the Sundarbans / Fort Mountain Ghost - Netlore Archive
Emailed photo allegedly depicts a ghostly figure standing beside a tourist in the Sundarbans (southwest Bangladesh) two days before he mysteriously died of a heart attack; in a more recent version, the location is supposedly Fort Mountain, Georgia
Emailed photo allegedly depicts a ghostly figure standing beside a tourist in the Sundarbans (southwest Bangladesh) two days before he mysteriously died of a heart attack; in a more recent version, the location is supposedly Fort Mountain, Georgia
MONDEX: The Mark of the Beast - Netlore Archive
Emailed slide show claims that microchips used in Mondex 'smart cards' are being implanted in people's hands or foreheads and constitute the 'mark of the beast' prophesied in the Biblical Book of Revelation
Emailed slide show claims that microchips used in Mondex 'smart cards' are being implanted in people's hands or foreheads and constitute the 'mark of the beast' prophesied in the Biblical Book of Revelation
Brain Maggots / Sushi Worms (2)
A set of photos showing a man whose brain allegedly became infested with maggots (or 'worms') as a result of letting an ingrown hair go untreated (or eating sushi, depending on version).
A set of photos showing a man whose brain allegedly became infested with maggots (or 'worms') as a result of letting an ingrown hair go untreated (or eating sushi, depending on version).
Weightlifting Mishap
This shocking image, origin unknown, purports to show a weightlifter suffering from a prolapsed rectum after attempting to lift more weight than his innards could bear.
This shocking image, origin unknown, purports to show a weightlifter suffering from a prolapsed rectum after attempting to lift more weight than his innards could bear.
Diplocaulus
A reader writes: I received this pic of an alleged strange-headed lizard found in Malta, Europe. Does such a strange-headed creature really exist?'
A reader writes: I received this pic of an alleged strange-headed lizard found in Malta, Europe. Does such a strange-headed creature really exist?'
Brown Recluse Spider Bite (5)
This rather disturbing sequence of images purports to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of the poisonous brown recluse spider.
This rather disturbing sequence of images purports to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of the poisonous brown recluse spider.
Moose on a Wire
An unfortunate moose accidentally strung up on power cables by a utility crew near Fairbanks, Alaska.
An unfortunate moose accidentally strung up on power cables by a utility crew near Fairbanks, Alaska.
Polar Bear Attack (Photos) - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos graphically document injuries sustained by the survivor of a polar bear attack
Emailed photos graphically document injuries sustained by the survivor of a polar bear attack
Bill Gates' 11 Rules of Life - Netlore Archive
Circulating via email, the text of a speech allegedly given by Bill Gates in which he sets out 11 rules of life for today's high school students
Circulating via email, the text of a speech allegedly given by Bill Gates in which he sets out 11 rules of life for today's high school students
Don't Turn on the Light!
After coming home late and getting ready for bed in the dark, a college coed wakes up the next morning to receive the shock of her life...
After coming home late and getting ready for bed in the dark, a college coed wakes up the next morning to receive the shock of her life...
Alligator's Lunch
This was taken by a KTBS helicopter flying over Cross Lake! (For those of you who are not local, Cross Lake is in Shreveport, La.) That has to be a HUGE gator to have a whole deer in its mouth! Are you ready to go skiing on Cross Lake?
This was taken by a KTBS helicopter flying over Cross Lake! (For those of you who are not local, Cross Lake is in Shreveport, La.) That has to be a HUGE gator to have a whole deer in its mouth! Are you ready to go skiing on Cross Lake?
Giant Gator Bagged in Texas / Florida
Emailed image of a large alligator allegedly shot in Texas or Florida (depending on version) by a game warden named Joe Goff.
Emailed image of a large alligator allegedly shot in Texas or Florida (depending on version) by a game warden named Joe Goff.
Pit Bull vs. Porcupine
First things first: this isn't really a pit bull -- it's a bull terrier named Inca. She really did have an unfortunate encounter with a porcupine, but her owners say she recovered completely from her injuries and is doing fine.
First things first: this isn't really a pit bull -- it's a bull terrier named Inca. She really did have an unfortunate encounter with a porcupine, but her owners say she recovered completely from her injuries and is doing fine.
Current Netlore - A to Z Index
A-Z listing of current Netlore
A-Z listing of current Netlore
The Urban Legends Slide Show - Obama on the Phone
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
800-Pound Razorback Hog
How would you like to run across this in the woods? The hog was reportedly killed in Arkansas very recently close to where they hunt... The man in the picture killed him, took 3 shots from a 7 mag. The afternoon before, he saw this hog eating on the side of the road. He weighed 800 pounds.
How would you like to run across this in the woods? The hog was reportedly killed in Arkansas very recently close to where they hunt... The man in the picture killed him, took 3 shots from a 7 mag. The afternoon before, he saw this hog eating on the side of the road. He weighed 800 pounds.
Dubai Ski Resort (Photos) - Netlore Archive
Emailed images chronicle the completion of a massive indoor ski resort built on desert sands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Emailed images chronicle the completion of a massive indoor ski resort built on desert sands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Man-Eating Catfish
Internet photos purport to show a giant, man-eating catfish caught in the Furong Reservoir in Huadu, China.
Internet photos purport to show a giant, man-eating catfish caught in the Furong Reservoir in Huadu, China.
Man-Eating Catfish
The caption accompanying this emailed photo reads: 'Each year, a few people will be drowned mysteriously in Huadu's Furong Reservoir. It was not until recently when the son of a certain official went swimming in the reservoir with his friend and were drowned that the secret was unravelled!'
The caption accompanying this emailed photo reads: 'Each year, a few people will be drowned mysteriously in Huadu's Furong Reservoir. It was not until recently when the son of a certain official went swimming in the reservoir with his friend and were drowned that the secret was unravelled!'
Albino Fawn
Emailed image of an albino fawn found near Stanley, North Dakota, the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas, or West Liberty, Kentucky - depending on which version of the story you believe.
Emailed image of an albino fawn found near Stanley, North Dakota, the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas, or West Liberty, Kentucky - depending on which version of the story you believe.
Deer on a Pole
This emailed photo allegedly documents the discovery of a dead deer high atop a power pole in a remote area of Baltimore - or Winnipeg, Manitoba, depending on version.
This emailed photo allegedly documents the discovery of a dead deer high atop a power pole in a remote area of Baltimore - or Winnipeg, Manitoba, depending on version.
Missing Person: Ashley Flores - Netlore Archive
Ashley Flores hoax: Email flier seeks help locating Ashley Flores, a 13-year-old girl allegedly missing in Philadelphia
Ashley Flores hoax: Email flier seeks help locating Ashley Flores, a 13-year-old girl allegedly missing in Philadelphia
Can People Look Up My Driver's License on the Internet?
Website purports to offer free, easy access to personal information contained in state driver's license databases
Website purports to offer free, easy access to personal information contained in state driver's license databases
Polar Bear and Huskies at Play
Emailed images show a 1,200-pound polar bear playing with husky sled dogs in the sub-arctic wilderness of northern Canada.
Emailed images show a 1,200-pound polar bear playing with husky sled dogs in the sub-arctic wilderness of northern Canada.
Can coughing save your life during a heart attack? - Self-CPR - Netlore Archive
Self-CPR? According to this 1999 email rumor, you can save your own life during a heart attack ... by coughing
Self-CPR? According to this 1999 email rumor, you can save your own life during a heart attack ... by coughing
Can You Unlock Your Car Door with a Cell Phone? - Netlore Archive
Locked out of your automobile? According to this forwarded email, you can have someone transmit a signal from your spare remote key via cell phone and unlock your car door in a pinch.
Locked out of your automobile? According to this forwarded email, you can have someone transmit a signal from your spare remote key via cell phone and unlock your car door in a pinch.
Work Moose
Emailed image purportedly shows a full-grown 'work moose' being harnessed to haul wood in a logging operation.
Emailed image purportedly shows a full-grown 'work moose' being harnessed to haul wood in a logging operation.
Motorcycle / Boating Accident Victim
Depending on which version you receive, the caption accompanying this emailed photo claims this poor patient was impaled on a fencepost after losing control of his motorcycle or boat.
Depending on which version you receive, the caption accompanying this emailed photo claims this poor patient was impaled on a fencepost after losing control of his motorcycle or boat.
Sneaky Shark (Photo) - Netlore Archive
Emailed image shows a massive shark looming behind two blissfully unaware scuba divers vacationing in Australia
Emailed image shows a massive shark looming behind two blissfully unaware scuba divers vacationing in Australia
Card Trick: I Can Read Your Mind!
I can read your mind! Don't believe me? Here, I'll prove it...
I can read your mind! Don't believe me? Here, I'll prove it...
Citgo / Petro Express Boycott - Netlore Archive
AFA email flier urges Americans to boycott Citgo-branded gas stations in response to anti-U.S. statements made by Venezuela president Hugo Chavez
AFA email flier urges Americans to boycott Citgo-branded gas stations in response to anti-U.S. statements made by Venezuela president Hugo Chavez
Half-Human, Half-Animal
Most copies of this viral image are accompanied by a caption reading, 'Look at the human dog!' In reality, it's a sculpture created by artist Patricia Piccinini.
Most copies of this viral image are accompanied by a caption reading, 'Look at the human dog!' In reality, it's a sculpture created by artist Patricia Piccinini.
Dead Frog in Can of Peas
In this forwarded email, an irate consumer complains about finding a tiny dead frog inside a can of Kroger peas. Photos attached!
In this forwarded email, an irate consumer complains about finding a tiny dead frog inside a can of Kroger peas. Photos attached!
The Urban Legends Slide Show - Piranha on Steroids (#1)
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
A gallery of odd and arresting images - some real, some fake, some persistently enigmatic - as circulated via email
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
This rather disturbing sequence of images purports to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of the poisonous brown recluse spider.
This rather disturbing sequence of images purports to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of the poisonous brown recluse spider.
Is Steve Burns Really Dead?
Did Steve Burns die of a drug overdose? Nope, he's alive and well. Internet rumors prove false once again...
Did Steve Burns die of a drug overdose? Nope, he's alive and well. Internet rumors prove false once again...
Missing Child: Reachelle Marie Smith - Netlore Archive
TRUE: Via forwarded email, details of the case of 3-year-old Reachelle Marie Smith, who was reported missing in Minot, North Dakota as of May 2006
TRUE: Via forwarded email, details of the case of 3-year-old Reachelle Marie Smith, who was reported missing in Minot, North Dakota as of May 2006
Does Freezing / Microwaving Plastic Containers Release Dioxin? - Netlore Archive
Email flier purporting to relay information from a Johns Hopkins newsletter claims that freezing water in plastic bottles and microwaving foods in plastic wrap releases toxic dioxin and may cause cancer
Email flier purporting to relay information from a Johns Hopkins newsletter claims that freezing water in plastic bottles and microwaving foods in plastic wrap releases toxic dioxin and may cause cancer
Mule Attacks Mountain Lion
Emailed photos purportedly show a mule attacking and killing a mountain lion in Arizona (or Wyoming, or Montana, depending on version).
Emailed photos purportedly show a mule attacking and killing a mountain lion in Arizona (or Wyoming, or Montana, depending on version).
Grizzly Bear Victim
Email caption: 'This is not a joke and is pretty gross. If you are faint of heart or stomach don't look at grizz.jpg. This is why you don't mess with Grizzly bears! Warning the Grizzly picture is pretty gross, it's what's left of one of his victims!'
Email caption: 'This is not a joke and is pretty gross. If you are faint of heart or stomach don't look at grizz.jpg. This is why you don't mess with Grizzly bears! Warning the Grizzly picture is pretty gross, it's what's left of one of his victims!'
MasterCard Wedding
MasterCard Wedding: During a lavish wedding ceremony at Clemson University attended by 300 guests, the groom interrupts the proceedings to reveal a shocking secret about the bride and the best man
MasterCard Wedding: During a lavish wedding ceremony at Clemson University attended by 300 guests, the groom interrupts the proceedings to reveal a shocking secret about the bride and the best man
On G.W. Bush's IQ (or Lack Thereof) - Netlore Archive
Forwarded email attributed to the nonexistent 'Lovenstein Institute' claims a recent report proves G.W. Bush has the lowest IQ of any modern president
Forwarded email attributed to the nonexistent 'Lovenstein Institute' claims a recent report proves G.W. Bush has the lowest IQ of any modern president
The Snake in the Computer 2
When a woman's computer begins making strange hissing sounds, she calls Tech Support. And what should they find upon opening up the housing of her PC but a snake coiled around the machine's innards.
When a woman's computer begins making strange hissing sounds, she calls Tech Support. And what should they find upon opening up the housing of her PC but a snake coiled around the machine's innards.
Jelly Bracelets - An Invitation to Sex? - Netlore Archive
It is widely believed - apparently more so by adults than by the teenagers themselves - that the 'jelly bracelets' currently popular among junior high school students are color-coded according to the wearer's willingness to perform certain sexual acts
It is widely believed - apparently more so by adults than by the teenagers themselves - that the 'jelly bracelets' currently popular among junior high school students are color-coded according to the wearer's willingness to perform certain sexual acts
Alligator with Deer in Mouth on Cross Lake - Netlore Archive
Emailed photos purportedly taken at Cross Lake, Louisiana show an alligator moving through the water with a full-grown deer in its mouth
Emailed photos purportedly taken at Cross Lake, Louisiana show an alligator moving through the water with a full-grown deer in its mouth
JFK: 'I Am a Jelly Donut'
Did Germans chuckle with embarrassment when John F. Kennedy uttered the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner' at a Berlin Wall ceremony in 1963?
Did Germans chuckle with embarrassment when John F. Kennedy uttered the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner' at a Berlin Wall ceremony in 1963?