Wilfred Reilly, a political scientist at Kentucky State, identifies features of reported hate crimes that suggest the crime is a fake:
Patterns he identifies among them are the lack of evidence, reluctance to cooperate with police, sensational claims, the presence of fundraising and the involvement of radical activists — all of which appear to be happening in Portland.
From Inside the suspicious rise of gay hate crimes in Portland.
What’s more, there seem to be many reasons to publicly allege a fake hate crime – it brings “likes” to your FB or IG pages; it can bring you some cash; and it can advance your political agenda.
So what are the downsides?
Shadow To Light 
> So what are the downsides?
In the case of Jussie Smollett, a demand for $130,000 from the City of Chicago for the costs of their investigation, with what so far is just an implied threat of a civil lawsuit if it’s not paid.
From four days ago:
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/i-newspaper/20190405/282175062486444
Last few hours:
I’d add yet another feature: “occurring in a community where practically no one hates gays and the sentiments would have practically zero support from anyone in the community.”
Like, say, Chicago. Or Portland.