Field guide
Is this real? Grading what you read and who told you
A simple way to judge a message, a stranger or a viral warning before you act on it: rate the person and the claim separately.
Rate two things, separately
A trusted person can pass on a false claim. A stranger can say something true. Judge each on its own.
| Question | Ask yourself | Example |
|---|---|---|
| WHO (reliability) | Do I actually know this person? Have they been right before? | A cousin you know well vs. an account created last week |
| WHAT (credibility) | Does the claim fit what else I know? Can anyone else confirm it? | ‘Your account will close in one hour’ rarely fits how platforms work |
Ask ‘how do they know?’ every time. A claim with no way of knowing behind it is a rumor.
The three-question quick test
- Who is really behind this, and how do I know that?
- Is there pressure to hurry, keep it secret, or not tell a parent or teacher?
- Can I confirm it a second way, from a source that does not depend on the first?
Red flag rule
Urgency plus secrecy plus a request for money, photos or a login is the pattern to treat as untrusted until proven otherwise.
Verify out of band
Do not use the contact details inside the message to check the message.
- Call the person on a number you already had, not one in the message.
- Open the app or site yourself instead of tapping the link.
- Look for two independent confirmations. Two posts copying each other count as one.
- Ask the child to show you the conversation without being punished for what is in it.
Common disguises
| Disguise | What it claims | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Fake ‘friend’ | A new contact who ‘gets’ you, or a friend’s hacked account | Ask something only the real friend would know, or call them |
| Fake ‘police’ or ‘agency’ | You or your child is in trouble unless you pay or send something | Real agencies do not demand gift cards or secrecy. Hang up and call the agency’s published number |
| Fake ‘platform’ | Your account will be deleted, or you violated a rule | Log in directly in the app and check notifications there |
Put a confidence level on it
| Level | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed | Checked two independent ways | Act on it |
| Probably true | Fits what you know; one source or one check | Act carefully; keep checking |
| Unconfirmed | Cannot tell | Do not act on it, share it or pay. Keep it for the log |
| Probably false | Pressure, secrecy, odd details, no way for them to know | Stop contact, save the messages, report |
Related
Awareness Is Prevention is a prevention and education nonprofit, not a crisis line, law firm or law enforcement agency. This is general guidance, not legal or medical advice. In an emergency call 911.
Related
Safety is built before the crisis
Pick your part and see it through. Prevention works when people follow through.