Fact Check Finder: Verify Claims, Debunk Hoaxes & Report Misinformation
Search accredited non-partisan fact-checking repositories in real time, cross-reference viral rumors against federal statutory realities, and file official complaints against deceptive commercial practices.
Verified Civic & Consumer Claim Index
Explore verified fact-checks and governing statutory reality for common recurring claims.
“The Government Is Handing Out $2,800 Medicare Grocery Flex Cards to All Seniors”
The Viral Claim: Online ads and robocalls claim every Medicare beneficiary is entitled to a free prepaid card with thousands of dollars for groceries and utilities.
“The IRS Demands Immediate Tax Payment via Apple Gift Cards or You Will Be Arrested in 2 Hours”
The Viral Claim: Callers claiming to be IRS agents or federal marshals state local police are on the way unless taxes are settled instantly using prepaid gift cards or crypto.
“Your Social Security Number Has Been Suspended Due to Drug Crimes at the Southern Border”
The Viral Claim: Automated robocalls state an abandoned vehicle full of narcotics was rented in your SSN, and your number will be permanently deactivated unless you confirm details.
“If You Are Paid on a Salary, Your Employer Never Has to Pay You Overtime Pay”
The Viral Claim: Employers frequently tell staff that paying a fixed weekly or annual salary automatically eliminates overtime obligations under federal wage laws.
“Undocumented Immigrants Cannot Report Unpaid Wages or Workplace Safety Violations”
The Viral Claim: Unscrupulous employers threaten to report immigrant workers to immigration authorities if they complain about stolen wages or hazardous conditions.
“Restaurant Owners and Shift Supervisors Are Allowed to Participate in Server Tip Pools”
The Viral Claim: Hospitality management tells staff that supervisors who assist on busy nights may retain a percentage of the collective staff tip pool.
“Because a Landlord Owns the Building, They Can Enter Your Apartment Without Any Notice”
The Viral Claim: Landlords claim absolute property ownership rights permit them to unlock and enter tenant apartments at any time for unannounced inspections.
“Lease Clauses Stating Security Deposits Are 100% Non-Refundable Are Legally Binding”
The Viral Claim: Property managers point to boilerplate lease fine print asserting that security deposits are forfeited automatically upon lease termination.
“A Landlord Can Cut Off Utilities or Change Door Locks If a Tenant Is 10 Days Late on Rent”
The Viral Claim: Frustrated property owners believe they can shut off power, water, or padlock doors to force non-paying tenants out without going to court.
“Your Bank Is Required to Refund You If You Send Money to a Scammer via Zelle or Venmo”
The Viral Claim: Social media posts advise scam victims that banks must reimburse peer-to-peer transfers under federal credit card chargeback protections.
“If Your Bank Makes Check Funds Available in Your Account, the Check Has Officially Cleared”
The Viral Claim: Job and buyer scam victims believe that because their bank mobile app shows funds as “available,” the deposited check is genuine and cannot bounce.
“Private Cyber Hackers on Telegram and Instagram Can Recover Stolen Cryptocurrency for an Upfront Fee”
The Viral Claim: Testimonials on social media claim ethical hackers used forensic tools to retrieve lost Bitcoin or USDT from fraudulent brokerages.
“OBD2 Plug-In Chip Increases Gas Mileage by 35% and Is Being Suppressed by Big Oil Companies”
The Viral Claim: Ads for $49 OBD2 dongles (EcoMax, FuelSaver) claim proprietary military microcode remaps modern engine ECUs to save hundreds on gas.
“Credit Repair Companies Can Legally Wipe Accurate Late Payments and Bankruptcies from Your Credit Report”
The Viral Claim: Commercial credit repair firms promise to permanently scrub verified negative items and boost credit scores 150 points in 30 days for upfront subscription fees.
“If You Accept FEMA Disaster Aid, the Federal Government Can Seize Your Damaged Property”
The Viral Claim: Viral TikTok videos during hurricane seasons tell disaster survivors to reject FEMA grants because accepting relief grants the federal government title to their real estate.
“Signing an ‘As-Is’ Lease Waiver Relieves Landlords from Legal Liability for Toxic Mold and Lead Paint”
The Viral Claim: Tenants are told they cannot file housing code complaints about peeling lead paint or severe black mold because they signed an “as-is” property disclosure.
“If a Used Car Has an ‘As-Is’ Buyer’s Guide Sticker, You Can Never Sue the Dealer for Latent Engine Failure”
The Viral Claim: Dealerships assert that an “As-Is” FTC Buyer's Guide window sticker completely shields them from liability if a vehicle blows an engine 24 hours after purchase.
“Text 'AID' to This 10-Digit Mobile Number to Donate Directly to Local Flood Victims”
The Viral Claim: Viral SMS messages and Facebook posts claim texting funds to random cellular telephone numbers delivers 100% of money directly to community survivors.
Citizen 5-Step Fact Verification Protocol
Before acting on a suspicious message, sending money, or amplifying sensational claims, apply this standard investigative checklist:
Right-click and inspect photos on Google Lens or TinEye to identify reused stock models, manipulated disaster scenes, or AI-generated deepfakes.
Verify the domain ends strictly in .gov or .mil for official agencies. Lookalikes ending in .gov-portal.com or .us.org are spoofed phishing domains.
Check ICANN WHOIS lookup tools. Deceptive retail, charity, or grant sites created less than 90 days ago carry a high probability of fraud.
Check official agency recall databases (CPSC Recalls, FDA Warning Letters, SEC EDGAR) to confirm whether purported enforcement or recall actions exist.
Where to Report False Claims, Deceptive Ads & Scams
If deceptive advertising, fake claims, or impersonation caused financial loss or physical risk, file reports directly with the governing regulatory bodies below:
Report deceptive advertising, robocalls, identity theft, and fake online endorsements.
File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov →Report fraudulent medical products, unapproved cancer cures, and tainted dietary supplements.
File FDA Problem Report →Enforce State Deceptive Trade Practices Acts (DTPA), investigate contractor fraud, and revoke licenses.
Search 50-State AG Directory →Report spoofed government portals, critical infrastructure threats, and foreign cyber influence operations.
Report to CISA.gov →⚖️ Legal Safe Harbor & Non-Governmental Notice:
HowToReport.org is an independent educational site — not a government agency, police department, or legal practice. We link to official .gov and .org sources, but we cannot file a complaint for you or give legal advice. No search or submission on this page constitutes an official police report, government complaint, or legal filing.