An elaborate but phony news release purporting to be from Royal Dutch Shell was disseminated May 17 announcing that the oil giant was suspending its offshore drilling off Nigeria.

The company produces 40% of the oil-rich country's petroleum and has drawn scrutiny for years by critics who cite alleged human rights abuses there.

The hoax, which is being investigated by the company, came a day before the company’s annual meeting in The Netherlands and included a media phone line answered by a staffer who identified herself as “Shell media relations.”

Reuters reported that the spokeswoman named on the bogus release said the company was responding to pressure from groups like Amnesty International. Reueters said she seemed surprised when asked about the reasons for staging the hoax and told the news agency that "I'll have to see what's going on."

The stunt recalls the "Yes Men" troupe that has exploited PR tactics to rail against corporations in the past, although there has been no claim of responsibility.

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