The Daily Fuckup

On Nov. 6, 2024, the FBI said it had found four more fabricated videos and statements using its name and insignia to push false election narratives. The bureau said the material was not authentic and that it was being presented as if it came from the FBI.

One of the fakes claimed the FBI knew that “at least 301 electors reported attempted bribery and blackmail” by a U.S. political party. The bureau said that was false, along with three other videos it cited that used FBI branding while making different election-related claims.

The FBI said the hoaxes were part of a larger pattern of forged material falsely tied to the bureau. In its statement, the agency said the false content was meant to mislead the public and weaken confidence in the election process and outcomes.

The bureau also said election integrity was among its top priorities and that it was working with state and local law enforcement partners to respond to election threats and protect communities as people voted. It urged the public to get election information from reliable sources, including local election offices, and to report suspected criminal activity to law enforcement or the FBI.

The immediate problem is simple: a fake can borrow the look of an official notice and move fast before anyone checks it. The longer problem is what that does to the public record. Once a forged post starts wearing a federal seal, it can create confusion even after it is debunked.