In today’s digital world, we are flooded with information every second. While this keeps us connected, it also makes it easier for false and misleading information to spread. Fake news is often designed to look real to grab your attention and trigger an emotional response.

But you have the power to stop it.

This guide provides you with a simple checklist to help you identify the signs of fake news before you believe or share it. By becoming a more critical reader, you become a vital part of the solution.

Your Checklist: 8 Things to Look For

Before you trust or share an article, take a moment to ask these questions:

1. Investigate the Source

Look closely at the website and its URL. Is it a well-known, reputable news organization? Be wary of sites with unusual domain endings (e.g., .co.com) or URLs that imitate real news sites with slight spelling changes (e.g., bdc-news.com instead of bbc.com). Check the “About Us” page to learn about the organization’s mission and leadership. If this information is missing or vague, be suspicious.

2. Read Beyond the Headline

Headlines are often designed to be sensational and shocking to get you to click (this is called “clickbait”). They rarely tell the whole story. Read the full article to understand the context and see if the content actually supports the headline’s claim.

3. Check the Author

Is there an author’s name (a byline)? Is the author a real person? Do a quick search to see if they are a credible journalist or an expert in the field. Be wary of articles with no author or bylines like “Admin” or “Staff Writer” on unfamiliar sites.

4. Look for Supporting Sources

Credible news reports are based on evidence. They cite their sources, quote experts, and link to official data or other reports. If an article makes bold claims without providing any sources or evidence, it’s a major red flag.

5. Check the Date

Sometimes old news stories are re-shared out of context to seem new and relevant. Always check the original publication date. An old story, even if it was once true, can be misleading if presented as a current event.

6. Is It a Joke? (Check for Satire)

Some websites publish satire—fake news for comedic effect. Well-known satire sites often have a disclaimer. However, their articles are sometimes shared as if they are real. If a story seems too wild or absurd to be true, check the source website to see if it identifies itself as satirical.

7. Check the Images

Images and videos can be powerful, but they can also be easily manipulated or used out of context. An image from a completely different event or country might be used to support a false story. You can use a reverse image search (like Google Images or TinEye) to see where an image originally came from.

8. Check Your Own Biases

We all have biases. Misinformation is often designed to provoke a strong emotional reaction (like anger, fear, or validation) that bypasses our critical thinking. Ask yourself: “Am I believing this because it confirms what I already think?” or “Am I sharing this because it makes me angry?” A strong emotional response is a good signal to pause and investigate further.

A Quick Mental Checklist: S.T.O.P.

When you’re in a hurry, remember to S.T.O.P. before you share:

• S – Source: Who is telling me this? Is it a credible source?

• T – Tone: What is the tone? Is it sensational and emotional, or calm and objective?

• O – Other Sources: Is anyone else reporting this? Especially trusted news outlets?

• P – Purpose: What is the purpose of this post? Is it to inform, or is it to make me angry, scared, or click on a link?

You Are Part of the Solution

Every time you pause to check the facts before sharing, you are helping to create a healthier, more truthful online environment.

If you’re ever in doubt, let us help. Use our Submit a Claim page to send us suspicious information for investigation.