During the course of reviewing reported encounters, I have yet to see a report that is initially received, given some form of investigation, then put to rest as unfounded (circumstances indicate the encounter was a misperception) or a hoax (reporting party was untruthful as to the material facts). Can members of this forum direct me to a report that has followed that general history? I am not speaking about reports that have been argued for eternity or are mired in controversy.

Further, is there a location where unfounded or hoaxed reports are filed, collected or indexed such that they can be studied?

Thank you HMB

Most times it seems, if something comes up that deems a particular report a hoax, it is either never put on the site to begin with (if they catch it in time), or it is removed. I know of one report that was on the BFRO a long time ago and it was decided that it was not legit and it was pulled. Also, I have not looked in a long time, but at least some of the Mary G. postings on GCBRO were considered not credible after the fact (from comments made on their forum). Not sure if that is still the case over there or not. I know that on the GCBRO there used to be a few (non MG category) that the investigator thought was not legit and it was noted on the report. However, I do not remember what they were.

Thank you, VAFooter.

It seems the discredited reports are more difficult to find than a bigfoot, which is a shame as I think it reflects on the research at large. A lot can be learned from them.
Criminal investigations, particularly as applied to violent, person crime, spend substantial effort with victimology, false reporting and false confession.

HMB

a researcher should only report the facts. the should conduct the interview in a way so inconsistencies can be drawn out. they should then visit the scene and check into local news archives and if possible law enforcement logs. in the end the facts are all you have. if they are contradicted on everything then you have to assign it less weight. if you do stumble upon a hoax then you should expose it if the facts bear out the hoax.

as for what your asking there is an excellent report about how an investigator thru diligent work discovered a hoax. it is in the blogsquatchers blog click here for the link to hoaxers and the hoaxers who hoax them by the blogsquatcher