• Messages circulating on WhatsApp in recent weeks have claimed that people considering buying a house in the Castlecaulfield area might be able to get financial support from the local Orange Lodge.
  • The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has flatly denied that this is true.
  • Messages like this tend to be created to raise tensions in the local area, or be part of a financial scam.
  • FactCheckNI has plenty of pointers available to help people spot any misleading messages they may come across.

In recent weeks, messages have been circulating on social media making claims that the Orange Order, and one lodge in the Castlecaulfield area in particular, might be willing to help 

Figure 1 – source: messages from WhatsApp (note that FCNI has removed some names to protect the identity of individuals included who are unconnected from the messages themselves)

The information contained in these messages is inaccurate. No such financial support scheme exists.

These messages bear the hallmarks of an attempt to stir up trouble in the Castlecaulfield area,  or even the early stages of a financial scam.

  • Source

Normally FactCheckNI tries to contact the source of any claim we come across. However, that is not always possible – especially in a case like this involving WhatsApp messages or texts that have been repeatedly forwarded on.

  • Orange Order response

We contacted the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland to ask about the contents of these messages. A spokesperson said:

“I can confirm that the content of this message is fictitious. No such mortgage assistance scheme is in existence.”

A Belfast Live article following up on the messages quotes a spokesperson for the local District Lodge: “the message is fake”. The article includes comment from the DUP’s Mark Robinson (councillor for Clogher Valley DEA in Mid Ulster):

… the message resembled a similar one that had been shared in the area in the past and believed they were designed to heighten local tensions ahead of the parade season. He also said that Orange Order membership would skyrocket if it were to start helping people with their mortgages …

“This looks like a very similar message that done the rounds before. I suspect it’s the same culprits trying to raise tensions in the area prior to local parades.”

  • Content analysis

Is there anything about the message that raises alarm bells around its veracity?

The image in the WhatsApp screenshot depicts an Orange Lodge (Castlecaulfield District No 4) carrying their banner of Lord Carson marked with the lodge name underneath the Orange arch in Castlecaulfield. A reverse image search doesn’t immediately show this image being used online [which can sometimes be a sign that an image has been reappropriated]. The banners and arch in the image are genuine. [In this case, the image branding the WhatsApp message seems quite unnecessary for a message being allegedly spread among those familiar with and supportive of the local Orange Order.]

Two aspects of the message raise doubts about the familiarity of the writer with the subjects: names and capitalisation.

While most of the names in the original message (blacked out in this post) tally with individuals and families associated with the district lodge, a number of forenames of people well known in the local organisation are misspelt.

The lack of capitalisation of ‘King’ in the ‘God save the king’ signoff suggests someone either in a hurry, or someone unfamiliar with the kind of respect loyal orders afford the royal family. The lack of capitalisation of ‘orange lodge’ is also noteworthy.

  • Context

FactCheckNI has received indications that similar fabricated messages appeared circulated in the same area a few years ago in connection with objections to Irish-language signage rather than financial support.

In general, deliberate disinformation (information which intends to mislead) like this is often designed either to get an emotional response from  people or as a financial scam.

For more details on how to spot these things, read on.

  • Stop, Think and Check Before You Share on WhatsApp

Messages on WhatsApp often come from friends, family or trusted groups, which can make them seem believable. But even well-meaning people can pass on false or misleading information without realising it.

The good news is that anyone can fact check. You do not need to be an expert. By taking a moment to stop, think and check before forwarding a message, you can help stop misinformation from spreading.

FactCheckNI’s online toolkit has practical tips and resources to help you check information before sharing it.

  • Questions to Ask Before You Forward a Message

Where is it from?

Do you know who created the message? If there is no clear source, be cautious.

What is the evidence?

Are there links, facts or quotes from reliable sources? Can you find the same information elsewhere?

What is missing?

Sometimes important details, dates or context are left out.

How does it make you feel?

If a message makes you angry, worried or shocked, that may be a sign to pause and check it first.

Should you share it?

If you are not sure it is true, do not forward it.

Before you share anything on WhatsApp:

  • Stop for a moment.
  • Think about the source and the evidence.
  • Check with trusted sources.

Taking a few seconds to check can help stop false information from spreading.