"False information is being widely shared on social media channels, including AI-generated content and images," N.C. Department of Public Safety officials said in a statement. "Nefarious actors and those with ill intent may be taking advantage of this situation by spreading false information." False rumors even spread claiming the government had created the hurricane. The public should find and share information from trusted sources and discourage others from spreading information from unverified sources, NCDPS officials said.