The 1977 book “The Amityville Horror: A True Story,”
And years later, the author (Jay Anson) admitted the story was a total HOAX. Back in the 1970s a TV program also debunked the story and showed how the story was a total hoax. They also showed that the current owners of the house never had any problems with it.
That book kept me awake at night the whole summer of 77. Between that and Son of Sam I was a freaked out kid.