Without researching the factual claims made in a forwarded email there's no 100% sure way to tell it if it's a hoax, but here you'll find common signs to watch for...
Difficulty Level: average Time Required: 15 minutes
Here's How:
- Note whether the text was actually written by the person who sent it to you. If not, be skeptical.
- Look for the telltale phrase, "Forward this to everyone you know."
- Look for statements like "This is not a hoax" or "This is not an urban legend." They usually mean the opposite of what they say.
- Look for overly emphatic language, the frequent use of UPPERCASE LETTERS and multiple exclamation points!!!!!!!
- If the message seems geared more to persuade than to inform, be suspicious. Hoaxers are out to push emotional buttons.
- If the message purports to give you extremely important information that you've never heard of before or seen elsewhere in legitimate sources, be suspicious.
- Read carefully and think critically about what the message says, looking for logical inconsistencies, violations of common sense and obviously false claims.
- Look for subtle or not-so-subtle jokes, indications that the author is pulling your leg.
- Check for references to outside sources. Hoaxes will not typically name any, nor link to Websites with corroborating information.
- Check to see if the message has been debunked by Websites that cover Internet hoaxes (see below).
- Virtually any chain email you receive (i.e., any message forwarded multiple times) is more likely to be false than true. Be skeptical.
- Hoaxers usually try every means available to make their lies believable -- e.g., mimicking a journalistic style, attributing the text to a "legitimate" source, etc.
- Be especially wary of health-related rumors. Most importantly, never act on such rumors without first verifying their accuracy with your doctor or other reliable source.
Related Features:
- Best Hoax Busting Resources
- Current Internet Hoaxes
- Varieties of Netlore: Chain Email
- Lies, Damn Lies and Web Pages
