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Chasing the Phantom Signal Vol. 1: Misinformation & Disinformation

Mrs. OSINT

• 3 min read
Chasing the Phantom Signal Vol. 1: Misinformation & Disinformation

I'll be honest, I've always been curious about the source of a headline. Anytime I see breaking news or viral claim, my first thought isn't "Wow, really?" It's:
"Where did this comes from?"
I've never been one to accept something at face value. As my experience as an analyst grows, so does my eye for spotting when something just doesn't feel right, especially when it comes to misinformation and disinformation.
You might be wondering what those terms actually mean or how anyone can tell what's real anymore.

The Phantom Signal
If you've followed my blog or taken part of any of the Mrs. OSINT challenges, you've probably heard me mention the Phantom Signal before.
Just to be clear: Phantom Signal is a fictional character in the Mrs. OSINT universe, not a real person or system, but a creative way to represent how false information can quietly ripple through the noise.

It's the feeling that something doesn't quite add up.
A detail that's too perfect.
A post that moves too fast.
A fact that feels staged.
Lately, that signal has been getting louder and it has everything to do with how false information travels.

Why This Matters:
If you're new to OSINT or just curious about what we do, you need to understand one thing:
False information spreads fast and most people never stop to check it.
Whether you're investigating something serious or just trying to be a more informed digital citizen, knowing how to spot misleading content is an important skill to build.

Misinformation vs. Disinformation
Here's the difference:

Misinformation: False information that is shared by mistake.
Ex: A family member shares a fake photo from a protest because they thought it was real.

Disinformation: False information shared on purpose to mislead, confuse, or cause harm.
Ex: A fake screenshot designed to stir anger, or a bot account spreading a made-up headline on social media.

Mrs. OSINT vs. The Phantom Signal
For those who participate in the Where in the World is Mrs. OSINT? challenges, you've seen the Phantom Signal in action. Mrs. OSINT has come across fake profiles that look real, posts with fake timestamps, and articles that seem trustworthy until you dig a little deeper. There have been moments where she's had to stop, double-check, and even pivot mid-investigation because a clue turned out to be planted, twisted or just plain false.

How to Tune Your Radar
You don't need fancy tools or advanced training to spot the Phantom Signal. You just need to slow down and ask yourself a few questions:

  • Who originally shared this?
  • Can I find the first, original source?
  • Has this image or video been edited or reused?
  • Does this account seem real or just look like it?
  • What's the intent behind this information?

Tools & Resources to Help

Why I'm Writing this Now
Lately, I've noticed a shift.
More questionable claims. More edited photos. More fake accounts designed to just stir up a reaction. It's hard to ignore. I think part of it is experience, but part of it is that things are changing in technology.

I've become more interested in how misinformation and disinformation work, especially from the perspective of an analyst. These things don't just clutter up the internet, they impact the way we collect, analyze, and trust information.

The Phantom Signal is out there.
Learn how to spot it.

I’m Curious Now…
You’ve heard me talk about the Phantom Signal. You’ve seen the breakdown of misinformation and disinformation. So here’s my question for you:
Have you spotted a Phantom Signal lately?
Was it a viral post that felt off? A headline that didn’t match the article?
A video clip with no original source?

Drop it in the comments or send it my way.
Let’s dig into it together!