Suspicious Halloween Candy Purchases at Costco (Variant)
Netlore Archive: Did a person or persons of Arab descent buy thousands of dollars worth of candy at New Jersey Costco stores for use in a terrorist plot?
Description: Email rumor
Circulating since: Oct. 2001
Status: False
Example:
Instant message text contributed by Jocelyn W., Oct. 24, 2001:
|
yesterday, two arabians went into the Costco in Wayne, NJ and bought five thousand $ worth of candy. So costco called the cops and told them. The FBI cought one of the arabians and the other one got away with the candy. The arabic that got caught was illegaly in the country and the FBI thinks the candy is a way to spread the Anthrax virus. send this to 15 people to help protect the country and our kids who will be trick or treating on October 31. |
Analysis: "The rumor grows as it goes," as they say, this being a prime example of inflated hearsay. What began as a partially true but misleading rumor (see earlier variants) has evolved into utter falsehood in less than a week of circulation.
The FBI investigated the reported purchase of "large quantities" of candy at two Costco stores in New Jersey on October 17. It was found that the purchases actually did take place (amounting to a total of $15,000 worth of candy), but it was for resale, not criminal or terrorist purposes, the agency concluded. Only one individual was involved. Though neither his nationality nor identity were revealed, the man was reportedly detained for reasons having to do with immigration. He was allowed to keep the candy.
Sources and further reading:
Large Candy Purchases Investigated by the FBI
Bergen Record, 20 October 2001FBI: Candy Purchases Seem Legitimate
Bergen Record, 22 October 2001$15,000 Candy Buy Intended for Resale
Bergen Record, 23 October 2001Police: Don't Fear Returned Candy
Associated Press, 23 October 2001
Related:
Terrorism Rumors & Hoaxes
Coverage of rumors and Net hoaxes in the wake of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon
