Kroger, Cision Probe Crypto Hoax After Fake News on Bitcoin Cash

Kroger Co. and a press-release distributor are investigating a fraudulent announcement saying the grocer would begin accepting payment in Bitcoin Cash -- the second apparent scam in less than two months to tie a major retailer to cryptocurrency.

The statement appeared early Friday on PRNewswire, a unit of Cision Ltd. that is used by many large companies to make official announcements. Kroger’s investor-relations website automatically picked up the release, and media organizations including Bloomberg News published the information. Bitcoin Cash briefly spiked about 5%.

“This communication was fraudulent and is unfounded and should be disregarded,” Kroger said.

The episode ...