How do I know if a news story is fake?

Look for a few quick warning signs before you share it:

• Read past the headline. Fake stories often use emotional or shocking titles that the article doesn’t support.
• Check the source and URL. Look for misspelled domain names, unclear “About Us” pages, or sites that hide who runs them.
• Check the date. Old stories are often reposted as if they are current.
• Search the claim elsewhere. If trusted news outlets aren’t reporting it, be skeptical.
• Check the evidence. Real articles should link to real sources, documents, or named experts.
• Reverse-search images. Photos may be old, edited, or from a different event.
• Use fact-checkers. Snopes, FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and AP Fact Check are good places to verify viral claims.

A good rule: if a story is trying hard to make you angry or afraid, pause and verify before believing or sharing it.