This stupid trick has caused several newspaper journalists to lose their jobs in recent years. The most tempting way to do it follows this example:
You have reported a news story. You need a reaction quote about the new cement plant in the town of Newberry. You know you should have talked to a citizen at the public meeting you attended, but you didn't. So you put this in your story:
"This area needs the jobs, but the environment questions do bother me," said Maria Henderson, a resident of Newberry.
But there is no Maria Henderson. You made her up. You are a liar and a cheat.
By doing this, you have betrayed the trust of your readers. People come to journalists for the truth, and all of journalism is damaged each time a sleazy reporter pulls this trick.