Scams & Hoaxes

BBB scam tracker

Fake News, Scams & Hoaxes

Better Business Bureau. (2019). BBB scam tracker [database]. Retrieved from https://bbb.org/scamtracker.

Description: This resource is a database of reported and investigated scams, compiled and researched by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). BBB is a nonprofit organization that accredits businesses.

Use: Think you’ve stumbled upon a scam? The BBB Scam Tracker might be able to help you determine if it is. Pop keywords into the search bar and see.

Access: This resource is free for use through a preferred internet browser from any computer in the United States, and beyond.

Tin eye

Fact-Checking, Fake News, Scams & Hoaxes

TinEye. (2019). Reverse image search [search engine]. Retrieved from https://tineye.com.

Description: This reverse image search accesses a multibillion index of web images to determine from where an image originates and locate/track modified versions.

Use: Wondering if that news article is a hoax? Try reverse searching any images within the article to find their true origins (and debunk that hoax!).

Access: As of now, TinEye is free for use through a preferred internet browser from any computer in the United States, and beyond.

Snopes

Fact-Checking, Fake News, Scams & Hoaxes

Snopes. (2019). Fact check [website]. Retrieved from https://snopes.com/fact-check.

Description: Snopes’ fact checking feature offers an archive of investigated rumors and questionable claims.

Why I trust it: The oldest and largest online fact-checking site, Snopes’ contextualized analysis uses evidence-based practices to fact-check the media. The company has been independently verified by the International Fact Checking Network, and, in the spirit of truth-seeking, it invites skepticism and challengers. The fact-checkers attempt to contact sources for interviews and seek out supporting information. They consult experts, and each fact-check travels through multiple staffers.

Use: Reading something you suspect could be fake? Pop keywords into the search bar to see if it’s been investigated.

Access: Users can access this column using a preferred internet browser from any computer in the United States, and beyond.