Hoaxer's motive?

No one can say for sure yet, but it may be that the hoaxer's intent behind this EQ Peg signal scam was aimed at Art Bell and Richard Hoagland. The motive could be one to try to discredit both Art and Richard, knowing that they would probably jump on the report of an ETI signal. It appears they both took the bait. While Art now seems sceptical about the story's authenticity, Richard Hoagland is still promoting his "space probe" theory.

Art Bell has extended an invitation to Paul Dore to be a guest on his late night talk show, "Coast to Coast". Whatever the hoaxer's motive was, the fraud has certainly affected everyone by preoccupying serious researchers and absorbing interested listeners.