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32 sider claims by barring them from accessing evidence under wraps, documents still classified, and witnesses unwilling to risk their lives. Much of what insiders say must be taken on their credibility. If they can prove their credentials, that impresses many, but insiders are secured an influential voice if their story is also conveniently corroborated by leaked documents and intrigu- ing photos that pander to the audience’s assumptions, questions, and desperation for confirmation. Audiences are guaranteed to be duped if they fail to rule out the possibility of the insider being a disinformer regardless of his credentials, especially if his claims are supported by forged pho- tos and documents supplied by the well-equipped and connected network sponsoring him. The best that audiences can do is look for errors and contradictions in his claims and, more importantly, make a probabilistic assessment of his integrity based on the an- gle behind his claims and whom it would benefit most. Summary: Public officials include elected or appointed mem- bers of political and religious institutions, those with special titles and credentials who are in respected positions of leadership. Strength of Source: Disinformers hold the great advantage of influencing through a highly visible figurehead without them- selves being seen. They can be among his personal advisors, pro- grammed or recruited associates who are planted close to him to sway his beliefs and decisions, secret organizations from which he periodically receives instructions, or alien factions abducting and programming him into adopting their goals. These sources can easily blackmail the official, exploit his naiveté, offer incentives of money and power for obedience, and tell or show him whatever “truth” shocks him into cooperating. Weakness of Vector: The official is foremost a public figure whose loss of reputation and popular support spells the end of his career. He can therefore be threatened with character assassina- DISCERNING ALIEN DISINFORMATION Public Official tion, real assassination, or bribed with promises of personal and