How to Identify an Internet Hoax

How many times have you received a touching email that (after you forward to all your friends) find out that it's not true? Internet hoaxes (also known as urban legends) spread so quickly through the internet. Some of the stories are merely funny stores, but those that spread medical information, fear, false accusations against a person or group can be harmful. By taking a few steps to ensure that next email you receive isn't a hoax before you forward it, you can enjoy the internet more and prevent false information from spreading rapidly.

Identify possible false emails.
When you receive a email, you will need to decide if you think it could be a hoax. Do you think it's too good to be true? Does it create fear? Is it a negative story that could harm someone? If the email fits into any of these categories or you have any doubt, it is best to check it out before spreading the information.

Search Snopes.com for the email subject line.
First go to the Snopes.com website. Perform a search on the subject line of the email or a few words of it. If you find it listed on Snopes.com as a rumor you now know the truth. The search will provide a write up of the history of the rumor, list any parts that may not be truthful, and list the facts that are often useful.

Do a search on TruthOrFiction.com for your email.
You may also want to do a second search at TruthOrFiction.com, this will give you a second opinion. This site also lists the part of the email that are know as true and that parts that aren't.

Forward the email you received to your friends (optional).
Now that you know that truth and facts, you can decide if you want to share it with your friends. Often it is helpful to forward the email and identify it as false to educate your friends. It is always helpful to send the facts to the person that sent you the email so that they will know the truth also. You now can have the confidence that you can share information with your friends and family without unnecessarily scarring anyone.