Chain messages and share requests are familiar to anyone who has used email or social media. They often appear as warnings about new threats, crime waves, or computer viruses, and are frequently passed along by well-meaning friends or family.
With so many new internet users relying on phones and tablets, it’s important to slow down before sharing or forwarding these messages. Take a moment to verify the information before following any instructions or passing it along.
This site is intended to help you sort through that information and avoid spreading hoaxes, scams, and misleading claims — some harmless, others potentially serious.
Two Common Types of Misinformation
Hoaxes
Hoaxes are designed to mislead or trick users. Some may claim a harmless file is a virus and instruct you to delete it. Others may attempt to collect money or personal information.
Web Legends
Web legends are designed to be shared. They often warn of a threat or claim to provide important or urgent information. Some promise rewards for forwarding the message or suggest you are supporting a cause by sharing it.
Most have little real impact beyond wasting time and bandwidth, but they can still contribute to confusion and misinformation.