• Reuters, Tuesday, October 19, 2010 12:20 AM

Chevron Corp launched a new ad campaign on Monday to address negative perceptions of big oil companies, but a bogus release and Wb site by activist hoaxers and an environmental group quickly sought to turn the tables on the company. Chevron announced its "We Agree" print and video campaign, designed to highlight its efforts to develop renewable energy, create jobs and support local communities. But a hoax press release sent to media outlets by the Yes Men and the Rainforest Action Network hours ahead of the Chevron release, complete with fake quotes from Chevron executives and fake Chevron site, highlighted the company's environmental controversies.

One of the spoof adds read "Oil companies should fix the problems they create," stamped with "We agree" in red ink. The Yes Men have become notorious in recent years for their stunts in posing as reps from companies such as Dow Chemical Co, Exxon Mobil Corp and Halliburton Co. Chevron is currently fighting a $27 billion lawsuit in Ecuador.

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