How to Spot Fake News - FactCheck.org

Fake news is nothing new.

But bogus stories can reach more people

more quickly via social media
than would good

old-fashioned viral emails could
accomplish in years past.

A lot of those viral claims aren't "news"
at all,

but fiction, satire and efforts to fool readers into thinking they're for real.

Here are some strategies to shield yourself from fake news.

Are you familiar with the source? Is it legitimate?

Has it been reliable in the past?

If not, you may not want to trust it.

If a provocative headline drew your attention,

read a little further before you decide

to pass along the shocking information.