Tagged: Hoax

April Fool's Day was one week ago — but an elaborate hoax targeting Pastor Joel Osteen gained wide attention Monday, after those behind the hoax used Twitter, YouTube, and other social media to spread spurious claims that the pastor had renounced his faith and would close his huge Texas church.

Update at 12:15 p.m. ET, Tuesday: Man Behind Hoax Describes Motives, Public Response

Back in July of 2011 Morning Edition noted that a Colorado man had paid $2,500 for the infamous balloon from the Balloon Boy hoax at auction. That investment may now bear fruit, snippets of the balloon are included in the 2012 Allen & Ginter Baseball card series.