'Fake news' becomes a business model – researchers

One of the methods used is creating bogus or "spoofed" media websites designed to look like those of legitimate news organizations. FOTOSEARCH

Cyber criminals have latched onto the notion of "fake news" and turned it into a profitable business model, with services starting at under $10, security researchers said Thursday.

The online security firm Digital Shadows released a report highlighting services aimed at creating bogus media websites, fake reviews and social media "bots" or automated accounts to promote or denigrate commercial products and services.