An erroneous report and AI-generated search results fueled some of the false claims that the VA is sending out stimulus checks.In recent months, multiple VERIFY readers who receive benefits from the government have reached out asking if they will see more money this year to help with rising costs due to inflation. A spokesperson with the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed to VERIFY there is no stimulus check coming for eligible veterans in 2024.
The misinformation about a veteran stimulus check began with an incorrect report from Newsweek that the COLA adjustment came in the form of a stimulus check, the VA told VERIFY.generative artificial intelligence When we Google searched “va stimulus check” on April 24, the results yielded false information that the VA would be sending stimulus checks. The information was summarized from dubious websites not associated with the VA. When we Google searched “va stimulus check” on April 24, the results yielded false information that the VA would be sending stimulus checks.
Another website included in Google search results, unelections.org, has a disclaimer on the homepage that says, “ Unelections.org is a information Based Blog Which provides content from various sources around the Globe to users for information purposes only. We are not responsible for any kind of inaccuracy or deficiency of the provided information. Also We do not represent any kind of Government Organization in any Manner.
Inconsistent information: AI-generated articles “often contain contradictions or conflicting info,” or even error messages, Sadeghi says.