The internet is a treasure trove of information but you can't take everything at face value because some of it might be cooked up. Every now and then, shocking reports crop up on our newsfeeds and they put us in a frenzy. Later, we find out that the 'news' is nothing but hogwash. Here are 15 such hoaxes that have taken India for a ride in the recent past:

7. Python swallows drunk man in Kerala

Another photograph that did the rounds on social media for quite some time was of this python believed to have swallowed a drunk man in Kerala. But the same photo was being shared in Indonesia, China, Malaysia and even South Africa, and in all those places the reports claimed that the snake had swallowed a native. The truth is that it's just a photo of a python which is known to swallow its prey (in this case, most likely a deer or a goat) after killing it. A Python ate a person who was drunk and lying beside the liquor shop. News from Attapady, Kerala.

8. Kurkure burning like plastic

Kurkure is a very popular snack in India but its sales took a beating when photos of Kurkure burning and melting like plastic started doing the rounds. But, the truth of the matter is that the snack is made of edible ingredients such as cornmeal and spices, and is not harmful. It melts on burning because of its carbohydrate content. The plastic-like substance is dried starch and, as approved by brand officials, it is completely safe to consume.