Urban Legends

Popular urban myths and their origins, from alligators in sewers to poisoned Halloween candy. We examine how these stories spread and why people believe them.

Alligators in Sewers

Whether NYC really has alligators living in its sewers or if it's just an urban legend that's persisted since the 1930s.

Bargain Buy Nets Millions: The Urban Legends

Real people have actually found fortune in bargain bins and flea markets, though the stories are often wilder than the truth.

Bloody Mary

Kids have been summoning a vengeful spirit called Bloody Mary in darkened bathrooms for hundreds of years, here's where the legend really comes from.

Casinos Pump Oxygen to Keep Patrons Gambling

Casinos don't actually pump extra oxygen into their rooms to keep you gambling, despite what the urban legend claims.

Gold Finger Actress' Death from Paint

The famous Goldfinger actress death rumor explained: did gold paint really kill Shirley Eaton, or is it just movie myth.

Hanging Man Halloween Decoration

Real Halloween decoration accidents involving fake hangings have actually killed people, not just urban legend.

Human Fingers Choking a Dog

This urban legend about a dog choking on human fingers has circulated for decades and keeps resurfacing online through email and social media.

Kidney Stealing

The kidney stealing urban legend has terrified people for decades, but here's what actually happened behind the myth.

Lightning and Your iPod

Using your iPod during a thunderstorm could actually increase your risk of lightning strike damage, and it's not just an urban legend.

Millionaire Rewards Good Samaritan

This viral story about a stranger helping a broken-down limo and getting rewarded with a paid-off mortgage is likely an urban legend.

Razorblades in Halloween Candy

Parents have worried about razorblades in Halloween candy for decades, but the real story behind this urban legend might surprise you.

Roach Eggs in Envelope Glue

A woman's tongue swells after licking an envelope, but the roach egg horror story is pure urban legend.

Soda and Pop Rocks

The truth behind the viral dare that scared parents in the 1970s: can soda and Pop Rocks really make your stomach explode.

Temporary Tattoos Can Scar

Black henna temporary tattoos can actually scar your skin permanently, turning a vacation souvenir into lasting damage.

The Vanishing Hitchhiker

A ghostly hitchhiker appears in your car during the day, chats normally, then vanishes without a trace in this eerie urban legend.