Research Guides: Fake News: Fact Checking

Google the Claim

Try Googling the claims made in the source you're trying to verify. Still not sure? Add keywords like:

fact check
debunked
fake
satire
hoax
myth
original source
evidence

Finding claims that the source isn't correct or real? Make sure to think critically about who is debunking the source. Are they, in turn, credible? What makes you think that?

Check the Facts

BBC Verify
BBC Verify is transparency in action – fact-checking, verifying video, countering disinformation, analysing data and explaining complex stories in the pursuit of truth.
Bellingcat
An independent investigative collective of researchers, investigators and citizen journalists brought together by a passion for open source research.
FactCheck.org
Checks the accuracy of political ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.
LinkedIn
A professional networking site you can use to check author credentials.
PolitiFact
Rates statements by political figures and others on a scale of true to false.
SciCheck.org
A feature of FactCheck.org that focuses on scientific claims.
Snopes
Well-respected rumor-analyzing site.

Ready to Practice?

You can help stop the spread of fake news! Imagine that the stories listed below have recently appeared in your social media feed. Use the evaluation strategies from the previous page and the fact-checking resources above to classify them as real, fake, or questionable. Then, decide how to respond—share, debunk, or consult more sources.