Claim checklist: test a viral post before you share it
Work through ten questions about who posted a claim, when, where and with what evidence. The checklist scores how well supported the claim is, flags scam signs and suggests the next three checks.
Why use a checklist?
A checklist slows you down at the moment a viral post is designed to speed you up, and it makes sure you check the source, the date and independent confirmation every time.
Misleading posts about Venezuela usually reuse real material with a new caption. The ten questions above catch most of those cases. They follow the method in our guide on how to verify a post on X.
How is the result calculated?
| Result | When it appears |
|---|---|
| Stop | The post asks for money, codes, personal data or an app install |
| Not enough checked | Fewer than five questions answered |
| Looks well supported | Score of 80 or more and no "No" answers |
| Partly supported | Score of 55 or more |
| Weakly supported | Anything lower |
Questions about the first source, the account, the date of the media, independent confirmation, primary documents and scam signs weigh 2 points. The others weigh 1.
Which tools help answer the questions?
- Date and place: a reverse image search on a photo or video frame.
- Time: the post time converter for Venezuela time and diaspora time zones.
- Links: the link checker for where a link really goes.
- Context: any Community Note under the post and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
Does the checklist check facts automatically?
No. You answer the questions after looking at the post. The checklist organizes your answers and points out what is still open.
What does the score mean?
It is the share of weighted questions you answered yes. Questions about the original source, independent confirmation and primary documents count double. It is a guide, not a verdict.
Why does one answer stop everything?
If a post asks for money, codes, personal data or app installs, the checklist treats it as a likely scam regardless of the other answers.
Are my answers saved?
Only in your own browser's storage, so you can come back to them. Nothing is sent anywhere. Use Start over to clear them.
Not affiliated with X Corp. Results are guidance, not a guarantee.