Verifying information in a time of rapid change

A few years ago we wrote about resources for recognizing "fake news" and tips for critically reading information sources. As information about COVID-19 rapidly changes, it's helpful to check in on strategies for spotting misinformation and scams.

Spotting Scams

Wisconsin has created some quick guidelines for avoiding charity scams, including research tips and questions to ask the charity. Learn more and find complaint resources here: Reporting of Potential COVID-19 Charity Scams

Several federal agencies have warnings and tips about coronavirus scams. See:

• Beware of scams related to the coronavirus from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Coronavirus scams from the Federal Trade Commission

Fake News

Here are some resources to help you spot fake news and misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic:

• 7 ways to avoid misinformation during the coronavirus pandemic from PolitiFact
• Coronavirus Collection: Fact-Checking COVID-19
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters from the World Health Organization
• Fighting Fake News in the Pandemic from the American Library Association
• How to Spot Fake News from Harvard Library 
• Identifying fake news (Video) from University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Libraries Respond: Combating Xenophobia and Fake News in light of COVID-19 from the American Library Association