• Welcome to Don't Get Bunked!™

    Spot red flags in seconds. Phishing emails, deepfakes, and fake headlines are everywhere. Learn clear, simple steps to stay safe online.

    DEBUNK author Sam McCollough shows you how.

  • Why I Created Don't Get Bunked!™

    I almost fell for a scam once that could have cost me thousands. It was only because of my background in software development that I was able to spot it before it was too late.


    Inside the course, I’ll tell you how I spotted it — and how you can, too.

  • Why I Created Don't Get Bunked!

    I almost fell for a scam once that could have cost me thousands. It was only because of my background in software development that I was able to spot it before it was too late.


    Inside the course, I’ll tellyou how I spotted it — and how you can, too.

  • 📄 Three Ways to Get Started

    📚 Explore Free Resources

    Access the DEBUNK eBook, the Bunkproof Toolkit™, printable guides, and trusted reference materials—all free.

    → Explore the Resource Center

    🎤 Looking for a presentation for your library, senior center, HOA, civic group, school, or organization?

    👤 Learn about why I created Don't Get Bunked!™, my background in adult education, and my mission to help people make safer choices online.

  • What You'll Find Here

    You’re not getting opinions — you’re gaining skills. Everything here is designed to help you check safely, evaluate claims, and spot scams or misinformation before they spread.

    📘 DEBUNK (eBook) — Your clear, friendly guide to critical thinking — the foundation for seeing through misleading claims and viral “facts.”

    (Updated Second Edition will be included automatically when ready.)

    🎓 Bunkproof in 30 Minutes™ (Course) — A quick, practical video walk-through that shows exactly how to recognize phishing, fake news, and deepfakes — using real examples.

    🧰 The Bunkproof Toolkit™ — Your curated library of tools, checklists, and printable guides for everyday protection — from phishing emails to fake headlines.

    You’ll build confidence in verifying claims — even when something feels urgent — using practical skills you can reuse anytime.

    Start in minutes — pause anytime.

  • Questions? Read the FAQ (opens in a new tab or window)

  • 📄 Trusted Fact-Check Sources Guide

    Real, verified sources to help you check claims, scams, and headlines.

    Download your one-page resource list — real fact-checking and misinformation-spotting sites that are ✔ IFCN-verified and trusted worldwide.

    Tip: Choose “Actual size” (100%) when printing.

    This document will open in a new tab or window (depends on browser setting). When you're done, just close the new tab or window to return here.

    🔒 No email required.

    Feel free to share it with friends who could use help spotting bunk before it spreads.

  • Before & After: Spotting Phishing in Seconds

    Here’s how the skills pay off — real example from the course.

    Example bank email without annotations, used to teach phishing checks.

    Before — Looks Legit?

    I’ll walk you through a quick routine: confirm the sender, spot pressure words scammers use, and preview links safely.
    We'll look at a real example from everyday email and review when to delete, when to report spam, and when to go directly to the site/app.

    Same email annotated with three red flags: sender domain mismatch, urgent or threatening language, and a mismatched link shown on hover.

    After — What Changed:

    ① Sender name vs. domain ② Spelling/grammar

    ③ Urgency words ④ Hover to preview link

    ⑤ Wrong entity name ⑥ Fear/pressure tactic

    These are the same checks you’ll learn to run consistently in the course.

  • Before & After: Spotting Phishing in Seconds

    Here’s how the skills pay off — real example from the course.

    Example bank email without annotations, used to teach phishing checks.

    Before — Looks Legit?

    I’ll walk you through a quick routine: confirm the sender, spot pressure words scammers use, and preview links safely.
    We'll look at a real example from everyday email and review when to delete, when to report spam, and when to go directly to the site/app.

    Same email annotated with six red flags: sender domain mismatch, urgent or threatening language, and a mismatched link shown on hover.

    After — You'll spot:

    Who it’s from

    How it’s written

    Urgency and pressure language

    Link or entity mismatches

    These are the same checks you’ll learn to run consistently in the course.

  • Your Complete Bunkproofing System

    The Don’t Get Bunked!™ System is a complete, three-part approach to safer checking.

    The Don’t Get Bunked!™ System includes the eBook DEBUNK: Arm Yourself With the Tenets of Critical Thinking (future updated Second Edition included automatically), the Bunkproof in 30 Minutes™ video course, and The Bunkproof Toolkit™.

    After completing the course, you’ll be able to:

    • Spot phishing emails fast (sender → language → link preview).
    • Avoid fake “support,” payment-app, and impersonation scams.
    • Check claims with SIFT (Stop · Investigate · Find better coverage · Trace).
    • Verify images and videos before sharing.

  • Created by Sam McCollough

    Author of DEBUNK, creator of the Bunkproof Toolkit™, and educator with more than 25 years of experience helping adults learn complex topics.

  • Created by Sam McCollough


    Author of DEBUNK, creator of the Bunkproof Toolkit™, and educator with more than 25 years of experience helping adults learn complex topics.

    Testimonials

    “I really like the site... it's clean and engaging. I think all the information is really helpful and clearly communicated. I wish you tremendous success with this project and genuinely hope that your work can help people get smarter at protecting themselves.”

    — Dennis O., Technology Solutions Architect

    “This system should be taught in schools. The checklists make it simple to spot scams before they get you. I even helped my mom avoid one last week.”

    — Albert B.

    “I used to second-guess every post and email. Now I just run Sam’s steps — quick, clear, and repeatable. It’s like having a truth filter I can actually trust.”

    — Alan S.

    Cookie Use
    We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
    Learn More