📰 Spotting Fake News & Misleading Headlines

How to recognize fabricated stories, clickbait, and manipulative headlines — and the tools that help you cut through the noise.

(Designed to keep you in control, not caught in outrage or fear cycles.)

✅ Trusted Fact-Checking & Credibility Resources

FactCheck.org — Political and non-political claim fact-checking. ✔IFCN-Verified

(Also listed in Political Claims section)

🌐 https://www.factcheck.org/ ↗️

PolitiFact — Covers viral rumors, memes, and misleading stories beyond politics. ✔IFCN-Verified

(Also listed in Political Claims section)

🌐 https://www.politifact.com/ ↗️

Snopes — One of the oldest and most widely trusted debunking sites, covering news, urban legends, and hoaxes.

🌐 https://www.snopes.com/ ↗️

Reuters Fact Check — Global scope, especially strong on visual misinformation and breaking news claims. ✔IFCN-Verified

(Also listed in Political Claims section)

🌐 https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/ ↗️

AP Fact Check — Concise, plain-language fact checks across a wide range of stories. ✔IFCN-Verified

(Also listed in Political Claims section)

🌐 https://apnews.com/hub/ap-fact-check ↗️

📖 How to Use These Resources

1. Check the site’s reputation — Does the site appear in NewsGuard, MBFC, or IFCN-linked directories?
2. Reverse-search headlines — See if multiple credible outlets report the same story.
3. Look at the language — All-caps, emotional buzzwords (“shocking,” “furious,” “destroyed”) = red flag.
4. Scan the “About” page — Many fake sites hide ownership, funding, or location.
5. Check the date — Old stories often resurface and spread as if they’re new.

💡 Sam’s Takes

“If it makes you furious, pause.” Outrage is the #1 tool of manipulators.

“Check more than one site.” A real story will usually be verified by multiple outlets — even if with different perspectives.

“Skip the clickbait.” If the headline asks a question (“Did X really happen?”), the answer is usually “no.”