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Think Before You Share
Stop. Check. Share Safely.
Before you forward that post or screenshot: Stop, check the source, and share safely.
✅ Look for the original publisher
✅ Check the date (old stories often recirculate)
✅ Verify with trusted sites
If in doubt, don’t share—misinformation spreads fast and can harm our community.
5 Quick ChecksSource: Who posted it first? Is it from an official organisation (gov, police, NHS, local council) or a personal account?Date & location: Is it recent and relevant to our area? Old incidents can resurface.Evidence: Does it link to primary sources (official statements, reports) rather than only images or text screenshots?Cross‑check: Search the claim and see if multiple reputable outlets report the same facts.Tone & pressure: Be cautious of posts that use fear, urgency, or “share now!” language to push you into forwarding.Common Red FlagsBlurry screenshots with no links to originalsAnonymous or newly created accounts“A friend of a friend” stories with no detailsSpelling errors, excessive emojis, or ALL CAPS headlinesClaims that ask you to bypass official channelsWhat to do if you spot misinformationDon’t engage or amplify.Report the post on the platform (use the built‑in reporting tools).Share a correction from an official source, or simply encourage others to verify first.If a post may be part of a fraud/scam, report via the appropriate channels (e.g., platform reporting and Action Fraud). | 
