Use Google
In Google, enter the keyword(s) you want to check, followed by "fake" or "fact check"
Use Google News and then select Tools and select the timeframe for the event to verify that other reputable news organizations are reporting the same thing.
Check Wikipedia.
See who the author or source really is. With organizations, look for who is providing funding.
Avoid websites that end in “lo”
Example: Newslo (Newslo is now found at Politicops.com). These sites take pieces of accurate information and then packaging that information with other false or misleading “facts” (sometimes for the purposes of satire or comedy).
Watch out for com.co
Watch out for common news websites that end in “.com.co” as they are often fake versions of real news sources
Make sure you are not getting your news from a blogger
Some news organizations are also letting bloggers post under the banner of particular news brands; however, many of these posts do not go through the same editing process (ex: BuzzFeed Community Posts, Kinja blogs, Forbes blogs).
No Doxing
If the website you’re reading encourages you to DOX (spread malicious information about individuals), it’s unlikely to be a legitimate source of news.
taken from Professor Melissa Zimdar, Merrimack College
What is a VPN?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network provides users with an alternate IP address that disguises the network location the computer is using. This will help users avoid the effects of the Google Filter Bubble. The VPN is used to add security and privacy to private and public networks, like WiFi Hotspots and the Internet.
