Yes, Paralympians did risk disqualification for showing Olympic rings tattoos, but the rules recently changed
At previous Paralympic Games, there was a rule that athletes with Olympic rings tattoos needed to cover them. But it is not being implemented at the 2024 Games.
Posts suggesting the Biden administration is forcing states to fund health care costs for migrants are misleading
The Biden administration finalized a rule to make it easier for DACA recipients to get health care, but the rule doesn’t apply to all undocumented immigrants.
Illegal to promise job in exchange for political endorsement?
It’s illegal to promise a political appointment in exchange for an endorsement. But it’s unclear how the law would be enforced regarding presidential candidates.
Social posts falsely claim long line of people in Omaha are waiting for mpox testing
A video shared online doesn’t show mpox, or monkeypox, testing in Omaha. It’s a line for a Tim Walz rally. There are no reported cases of the disease in the U.S.
Both the Trump and Biden administrations enacted $35 insulin price caps for certain Medicare recipients. Trump’s was first, but Biden’s applies to more people.
VERIFY This | Fact-checking Harris' DNC speech, Free abortions at the DNC & Swift endorsed Trump?
In this week's episode, we fact-check Harris' speech from the DNC, verify if the DNC was offering free abortions and vasectomies and if Taylor Swift endorsed Trump.
Here are claims we verified from Kamala Harris' DNC speech
Kamala Harris formally accepted the presidential nomination on Thursday at the Democratic National Convention. We fact-checked several claims from her speech.
The Minnesota governor and former high school teacher formally accepted the vice presidential nomination on Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention.
A health advisory about the COVID-19 xbb variant has not been issued by the CDC
Several VERIFY readers asked us to look into Facebook posts claiming to show a CDC advisory about the XBB subvariant of COVID-19. Here’s what we found.
No, Harris campaign did not place Craigslist ‘actors needed’ ad for Arizona rally
Posts showing an ad for actors claim it was listed by Harris’s camp to fill a Phoenix rally crowd. It’s a meme that’s been online for years, including about Trump.
Former President Trump didn’t “freeze” for 21 seconds at his Bozeman, Montana, rally. Viral clips show him pause during an attendee’s medical emergency.
No, Tim Walz does not have a net worth of $138 million
Democratic vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, do not have a net worth of $138 million, like a viral meme falsely claims.
What did JD Vance do in the military? Your questions answered
After JD Vance accused his opponent Tim Walz of “stolen valor,” many VERIFY readers asked us questions about Vance’s military service. Here’s what we found.
Tim Walz’s military service record: What we can VERIFY
Did Tim Walz quit the National Guard to avoid deployment? Did he lie about his military service, which is sometimes called “stolen valor”? Here’s what we can VERIFY.
Trump's claim about fake crowds in an image at Harris' rally is false
Several VERIFY readers asked us if an image from Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s rally near Detroit were made with artificial intelligence, like Donald Trump claimed.
Understanding ballot marking rules | Expert Interview with Jeanette Senecal of the League of Women Voters
Jeanette Senecal is the senior director of Mission Impact for the League of Women Voters and discusses ballots and what to expect from this upcoming election.
The bill’s sponsor said “the vast majority” of the period products will be used in girls’ bathrooms but the law’s text is gender-neutral to accommodate all students.
Here's what we can verify about the controversy around Algerian boxer’s gender identity
There is no evidence to support claims that boxer Imane Khelif is a man or a transgender woman. Here's what we can VERIFY about the origins of the viral controversy.
Is Vice President Kamala Harris 'border czar' for Biden?
Harris is not in charge of border security or immigration policy. She was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration from three Central American countries.
VERIFYING claims about Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz
We VERIFY two claims about dem VP Tim Walz, yes he did get a DUI 30 years ago, and no he did not refuse to order the national guard to Minneapolis in 2020.
Is Trump behind Project 2025? What he’s said about the plan
Many VERIFY readers want to know about former President Donald Trump’s connections to Project 2025, with some asking if he’s endorsed the plan. Here’s what to know.
VERIFY This | Fact-checking Harris' DNC speech, Free abortions at the DNC & Swift endorsed Trump?
In this week's episode, we fact-check Harris' speech from the DNC, verify if the DNC was offering free abortions and vasectomies and if Taylor Swift endorsed Trump.
VERIFY This | Fact-checking Trump's assassination attempt and Project 2025 claims
In this week's episode, we share what we know about the man who shot President Trump, other claims about the attempted assassination and we fact-check Project 2025.
VERIFY This | Tips to beat the heat & on pool safety and use spray vs liquid sunscreen?
In this special summer edition, we share tips on how to stay cool in the hot weather, staying safe at the pool, spray vs liquid sunscreen and turbulence on planes.
VERIFY This | Fact-checking the debate, automatic draft registration for some, frequent turbulent flights?
In this week's episode, we fact-check the first debate between Biden and Trump, verify if a bill is will implement the draft for some and are flights more turbulent?
VERIFY This | Hunter Biden conviction, Trump travel restrictions and Joro spider invasion
In this episode, we verify what happens next after Hunter Biden's conviction, if Trump can't travel to some countries due to his conviction & Joro spider invasion.
VERIFY This | Trump conviction impact, UN giving cash to migrants and artificial vanilla from beavers?
In this week's episode, we breakdown the impact of Trump's conviction on the 2024 election, verify if the UN is giving migrants cash and does fentanyl have an odor?
VERIFY This | Illegal to give Georgia voters water, Minnesota allows buying humans & Tinker Bell banned?
In this week's episode, we verify a claim that it’s illegal to hand out water to Georgia voters, if a law allows buying of people in Minnesota and much more.
VERIFY This | Federal pregnancy database, Biden inflation rate and Angelina Jolie pro-Palestine video?
In this episode, we fact check claims that a new bill would create a federal pregnancy database and Biden's claim about how high inflation was when he took office.
VERIFY This | Staged scene in Rafah, RNC poll workers & De Niro confronting protesters
In this week's VERIFY This, Brandon Lewis looks into a video claiming to show actors staging war scenes in Rafah. Plus, can the RNC recruit and train poll workers?
VERIFY This | Gag order unconstitutional, governors expel students and 'No-woke' actors union?
In this episode, we verify if gag orders are constitutional, if governors have the power to expel students and did some Hollywood stars create a 'no-woke' union?
VERIFY This | Palestine flag at Harvard, Toll text scam and Weather causes joint pain?
In this week's episode, we verify if Harvard replaced an American flag with a Palestinian one, if texts about toll balances is a scam and weather causes joint pain?
VERIFY This | Marines in Mar-a-Lago, SCOTUS abolished protests and Cicadas safe to eat?
In this episode, we verify the real story behind a photo claiming marines attended a Trump fundraiser in uniform, if protests are abolished and can you eat cicadas?
VERIFY This | Trump trial claims, Biden draft and China getting billions from Biden?
In this week's episode, we verify claims about Trump's criminal trial, debunk a video claiming Biden is implementing the draft and if he's giving billions to China.
VERIFY This | Bird flu affecting eggs, other bridges damaged & Satanic happy meals?
In this week's episode, we verify if more bridges were damaged on the same day as the one in Baltimore and if it's safe to eat eggs during the bird flu outbreak.
VERIFY This | Gas car bans, billionaire taxes & Trump bankruptcy loophole?
Brandon Lewis looks at whether President Biden is banning gas cars and whether former President Trump can avoid paying penalties if he files for bankruptcy.
VERIFY This | Fact-checking the SOTU, ATF gun rule change and adult measles booster
In this week's episode, we verify claims from Biden's SOTU address, look at a viral claim that the ATF is changing its gun rules and if adults need a measles booster
VERIFY This | Trump GoFundMe, Leap year facts and IVF illegal in Alabama?
In this week's episode, we verify if Trump can crowdfund to pay off his fines, share some fun leap year facts and clarify some facts about the Alabama ruling on IVF
VERIFY This | Super Bowl parade shooter, Biden 'did that' meme & No-fly pet list?
In this week's episode, we verify if a viral pic identified the Super Bowl parade shooter, fact-check a meme about Biden and migrants & if there is a pet no-fly list
VERIFY This | Old tax laws, new romance scams and debit cards for migrants?
In this week's episode, we look into claims that people say they owe more taxes due to a law, explain a new romance scam and if NY migrants are getting debit cards.
VERIFY This | Tanks at the border, heart attack cure and is MSG unhealthy?
In this week's episode, we verify if a video claiming to show tanks at the border is real, if a viral elbow hack can cure heart attacks and whether MSG is unhealthy.
VERIFY This | Texas border ruling, Dems & the GOP primary and file taxes for free?
In this week's episode, we verify if Texas is defying an order from the Supreme Court about the border, can Dems vote in a GOP primary & can you file taxes for free
VERIFY This | AI & the election, overdraft fees cap and Eiffel Tower on fire?
In this week's episode, we do a deep dive into the use of AI during the elections and fact check a viral video showing the Eiffel Tower on fire, plus lots more.
VERIFY This | POTUS eligibility, Houthi missile video and home heating tips
In this episode, we look into claims that Nikki Haley could be ineligible to run for president & we fact check a video claiming to be from the Houthi missile attack.
In this week's episode we breakdown what's going on with the Boeing 737 Max 9 grounding, we verify claims made during the GOP debate and also about EV tax credits.
VERIFY This | Tsunami damage, T-Mobile fines and Mickey Mouse copyright
In this week's episode we fact check images claiming to be from the Japan tsunami, if T-Mobile is fining users for texts and details about the Mickey Mouse copyright
VERIFY This | Colorado ballots & Trump, Catholic Church shift and Holiday hacks
In this week's episode, we verify how Colorado's ruling could affect Trump in other states, if the Catholic Church has changed its stance on same-sex marriage & more
VERIFY This | GOP debate, 'White lung syndrome' and Zelenskyy yachts?
In this week's episode, we verify claims from the GOP debate and look into viral posts about 'white lung syndrome' and if Zelenskyy bought yachts with aid money.
VERIFY This | Mystery dog illness, Chinese biolabs & iPhone NameDrop warning
In this week’s episode, we look into claims of a mystery illness among dogs, verify if there’s a secret biolab in California and warnings about iPhone's NameDrop.
VERIFY This | New tax bracket, AI in political ads and Thanksgiving guide
In this week's episode, we verify how the new tax brackets can affect you, whether politicians can use AI in their ads and tips to help have a smooth Thanksgiving.
VERIFY This | Fact checking fake images, deepfakes and book fair backlash
In this week's episode, we fact check viral pics and a deepfake about the Israel-Hamas war, including one about Bella Hadid. As well as posts about Medicare and more
VERIFY This | Global gas supply, straightener ban & Halloween myths
In this week's episode, we verify if the global gas supply is being threatened, whether there's a ban on hair straighteners and demystify some Halloween myths.
VERIFY This | Hamas camps, U.S. draft & T-Mobile price hike?
In this week's episode, we verify if Hamas has training camps in Mexico, if the U.S. draft is being reinstated and whether T-Mobile is hiking its price...plus more.
Understanding ballot marking rules | Expert Interview with Jeanette Senecal of the League of Women Voters
Jeanette Senecal is the senior director of Mission Impact for the League of Women Voters and discusses ballots and what to expect from this upcoming election.
Preparing to safely view a solar eclipse | Expert Interview with Justin Kates of the International Association of Emergency Managers
Justin Kates of the International Association of Emergency Managers’ U.S. Council. He explains why states have emergency preparations ahead of the solar eclipse.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month | Expert Interview with Quanah Matheson
Quanah Matheson delves into the history behind Native American Heritage month and culture, language, traditions and complex history of Native Americans.
Exploring the truth behind the Salem witch trials | Expert Interview with Emerson Baker, Ph.D.
In this expert interview, Emerson Baker delves into the history behind the Salem witch trials and the truth behind the myth of witches being burned at the stake.
Can Trump pardon himself from federal chargers? | Expert Interview with criminal attorney Matthew Mangino
Matthew Mangino is an attorney at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George. He explains the issue of former President Trump’s attempts to pardon himself from federal charges
Wasps and Gasoline, Mosquitoes and Malaria and other Insect Claims | Expert Interview with Jonathon Larson
All the insect claims you've been curious about lately - expert entomologist answers questions on many of the recent viral claims about insects that sting and bite
History of Orca encounters | Expert Interview with Hanne Strager
More than 500 encounters between orcas and boats have been reported since 2020. Marine biologist Hanne Strager shares why she thinks they are becoming more frequent
Effect of the bird flu on rising egg prices | Expert Interview with Bernt Nelson
People have been having complaints about the rising cost of eggs. VERIFY expert Bernt Nelson explains how the current bird flu outbreak is contributing this.
VERIFY spoke with cardiologist Payal Kohli, M.D. to clear up misinformation about the correlation between the COVID vaccine, athletes & cardiac arrest.
Understanding whether poinsettias and mistletoe are toxic to household pets | Expert Interview with Tina Wismer, D.V.M.
Tina Wismer, D.V.M. of the ASPCA breaks down whether poinsettias and mistletoe are toxic to household pets and what to do if one of your pets eats them.
Election Safeguards | Expert Interview with Cynthia Paes
VERIFY met up with San Diego County registrar of voters, Cynthia Paes to understand what safeguards are in place to make sure the election is run safely.
People with Blue Eyes are Genetically Related | Expert Interview with Mark Shriver, Ph.D.
Anthropologist and geneticist Mark Shriver, Ph.D. talks with VERIFY about the genetics of people with blue eyes and explains how they are genetically related.
Using hydrogen peroxide to clean your ears | Expert Interview with Douglas Hildrew, M.D.
Otolaryngologist Douglas Hildrew, M.D. talks about the pros and cons of using hydrogen peroxide to clean your ears. Along with the best way to use q-tips.
Cold Temps effects on the range of electric vehicles | Expert Interview with Mark Ehsani
Did you know cold weather can affect the range of an electric vehicle? Electrical Engineering professor Mark Ehsani spoke with VERIFY about this interesting question
Effects of cold weather on electric vehicles | Expert Interview with Gil Tal, Ph.D.
A VERIFY viewer wondered if batteries in electric cars drain faster when it’s cold out. EV specialist Gil Tal, Ph.D. breaksdown how cold weather effects the range of
Effect of Student Debt Relief on Taxpayers | Expert Interview with Andrew Lautz
President Biden's student loan forgiveness program is great news for students. But how will it effect taxpayers. Andrew Lautz of the National Taxpayers Union Foundat
Teacher Funding - paying for supplies with their own money | Expert Interview with Juan Brizuela
Classroom supplies can get expensive especially when teachers have to pay for them on their own. DonorsChoose Manager Juan Brizuela chat with VERIFY about the issue
Understanding the Student Loan Forgiveness Plan | Expert Interview with Betsy Mayotte
Student loan expert, Betsy Mayotte, speaks with VERIFY about Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. She talks on who is affected and about Pell grants.
Mpox and chickenpox | Expert Interview with Mark Slifka, Ph.D.
Immunologist Mark Slifka, Ph.D., talks about chickenpox and mpox. As well as mortality rate, people who could be most at risk and the greatest risk of exposure.
Project 2025’s proposals for Medicaid and Medicare: What we can VERIFY
Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation plan to transform the government during a conservative administration, proposes cuts to Medicaid and changes to Medicare.
Yes, it’s safe to use Login.gov to access Social Security accounts online
Social Security recipients must update online login to access benefit, payment info. Login.gov and ID.me are legit and will be the only ways to log into my Social Se
No, Project 2025 doesn’t propose eliminating overtime pay
Project 2025 recommends overtime pay adjustments and calls on Congress to amend federal overtime rules, but it doesn’t advocate for the elimination of overtime pay.
Does Project 2025 want to eliminate Social Security benefits?
Project 2025 doesn’t propose ending Social Security retirement and disability benefits. But the Heritage Foundation has proposed some changes to the program.
Here's what we can verify about if politicians can use campaign funds to pay legal bills
Many VERIFY readers have asked us if former President Trump is allowed to use campaign funds to pay his legal bills. Here's why the answer isn’t clear-cut.
There isn't a nationwide ban on landlords charging three months' rent as security deposit
A California law limits security deposits to one month’s rent beginning July 1 for most rentals. This law isn’t nationwide, although many states have similar laws.
We VERIFY whether athletes get paid to go to the Olympics
The International Olympic Committee says it doesn’t issue prize money for the games. Instead, each nation can decide whether it wants to compensate its athletes.
Despite many false claims, the IRS is not sending out additional stimulus checks. Suspicious ‘content farm’ sites appear to be fueling a recent Google search trend.
Raising Social Security tax cap for high-income earners would help, but not fix, its shrinking reserves
Would taxing more income from the rich fix Social Security’s financial problems and delay benefit cuts? It would help, but it wouldn't completely fix the issues.
Social Security’s retirement trust fund is expected to run out in 2033, according to the 2024 Trustees report. But that doesn’t mean the program will go broke.
No, veterans are not receiving a $3,000 federal stimulus check
Veterans will not be receiving a $3,000 stimulus check in 2024 from Veterans Affairs. Veterans received a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment in 2024, not a stimulus chec
DOT airline rules require these automatic flight refunds
The DOT announced new rules that require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights if travelers choose not to rebook.
Yes, personal checks typically expire after 180 days
Personal checks typically expire after 180 days or six months. If you have an expired or stale check, you can request a replacement from the check issuer.
Who’s paying to rebuild Baltimore FSK Bridge? What we can VERIFY
President Biden said the federal government should pay to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Here’s what we can VERIFY about who will foot the bill.
Retailers Walmart and Target are not charging to use self-checkout
Posts online claim the stores are limiting self-checkout lanes to customers who pay for subscription services. Here’s what Walmart and Target told VERIFY.
In 2025, Wendy's plans to implement dynamic pricing
Wendy’s clarified that it has “no plans” to raise prices during peak hours after its CEO said the company would test a dynamic pricing model at its restaurants.
Text messages that claim to be giveaway from YouTuber MrBeast are scams
YouTuber MrBeast says that posts using his name and image for giveaways are scams. The fake messages and posts online actually seek to steal your money.
AMC, the movie theater company, settled a class action lawsuit for $8.3 million. Subscribers of streaming services like Acorn, Shudder and HIDIVE can file claims.
No, the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doesn’t have built-in tax increases for 2023
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a tax reform law signed by Trump, does not include yearly income-based tax increases like viral social media posts suggest.
Posts suggesting the Biden administration is forcing states to fund health care costs for migrants are misleading
The Biden administration finalized a rule to make it easier for DACA recipients to get health care, but the rule doesn’t apply to all undocumented immigrants.
Here are claims we verified from Kamala Harris' DNC speech
Kamala Harris formally accepted the presidential nomination on Thursday at the Democratic National Convention. We fact-checked several claims from her speech.
Former President Trump didn’t “freeze” for 21 seconds at his Bozeman, Montana, rally. Viral clips show him pause during an attendee’s medical emergency.
No, Tim Walz does not have a net worth of $138 million
Democratic vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, do not have a net worth of $138 million, like a viral meme falsely claims.
Tim Walz’s military service record: What we can VERIFY
Did Tim Walz quit the National Guard to avoid deployment? Did he lie about his military service, which is sometimes called “stolen valor”? Here’s what we can VERIFY.
Understanding ballot marking rules | Expert Interview with Jeanette Senecal of the League of Women Voters
Jeanette Senecal is the senior director of Mission Impact for the League of Women Voters and discusses ballots and what to expect from this upcoming election.
Is Trump behind Project 2025? What he’s said about the plan
Many VERIFY readers want to know about former President Donald Trump’s connections to Project 2025, with some asking if he’s endorsed the plan. Here’s what to know.
Kamala Harris campaign ad shared by Elon Musk is not real
Elon Musk shared a video that appears to be a Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign ad on X, but it uses AI audio. It’s a manipulated parody video
Project 2025’s proposals for Medicaid and Medicare: What we can VERIFY
Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation plan to transform the government during a conservative administration, proposes cuts to Medicaid and changes to Medicare.
Biden's campaign funds can be used by VP Kamala Harris in her bid for president
Harris is allowed to use the money Biden has raised for her presidential bid because the two of them share a campaign account, campaign finance experts say.
Verifying what we can about Project 2025, the Head Start program and free school lunches
VERIFY readers asked us if Project 2025 plans on cutting the Head Start program and free school lunch. It’d eliminate Head Start and reduce the free lunch program.
No, Project 2025 doesn’t call for repealing women’s right to vote
A joke made by Project 2025 advisor John McEntee about the 19th Amendment is being shared out of context. Project 2025 doesn’t call to remove women’s right to vote.
Yes, it’s safe to use Login.gov to access Social Security accounts online
Social Security recipients must update online login to access benefit, payment info. Login.gov and ID.me are legit and will be the only ways to log into my Social Se
Does Project 2025 want to eliminate Social Security benefits?
Project 2025 doesn’t propose ending Social Security retirement and disability benefits. But the Heritage Foundation has proposed some changes to the program.
There isn't a nationwide ban on landlords charging three months' rent as security deposit
A California law limits security deposits to one month’s rent beginning July 1 for most rentals. This law isn’t nationwide, although many states have similar laws.
Yes, there is a canned coffee recall in the U.S. due to botulism risk
Snapchill Coffee, a company responsible for manufacturing hundreds of canned coffee drinks in the U.S., voluntarily recalled all of its products over botulism risk.
VERIFYING three claims about the CNN presidential debate rules
We VERIFY if this is the first debate since 1960 to not have a live audience, if candidates can wear earbuds and if candidates get the questions in advance.
Automatic draft registration bill: What we can VERIFY
Posts claim an annual defense bill would automatically register young men and women for the military draft. Here’s what we can VERIFY about the proposed legislation.
Yes, federal law bans most convicted felons from owning guns
After former President Trump’s felony conviction in his New York hush money case, people claimed federal law makes it illegal for felons to have guns. That’s true.
Phone calls threatening arrest for skipping jury duty are scams
“If someone calls and threatens you to pay them to not be arrested for missing jury duty, you are being scammed,” U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg said.
Did you get an email about debt relief from the “Student-Loan Debt Department” after the White House’s latest debt relief plan announcement? Here’s why it’s a scam.
No, the National Do Not Call Registry does not stop all unsolicited phone calls
Unsolicited political or charity calls, surveys are still allowed if the number is on Do Not Call Registry. The list only blocks sales calls and illegal robocalls.
No, ‘Sugar Defender’ supplements cannot cure diabetes
Ads suggest a “Tom Green’s Sugar Defender” helped over 100,000 stabilize blood sugar and “overcome” diabetes. It cannot cure diabetes and is an all-natural scam.
Text messages that claim to be giveaway from YouTuber MrBeast are scams
YouTuber MrBeast says that posts using his name and image for giveaways are scams. The fake messages and posts online actually seek to steal your money.
Romance scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites, apps and social media to trick people into sending them money after gaining their affection and trust.
Some Google search ads can be used by scammers to redirect to scam sites
Scammers can disguise malicious links within ads at the top of Google search results, even though it violates the company’s rules. Here’s what to look out for.
There is no spending allowance from a free health insurance plan
The ACA marketplace’s open enrollment season is also open season for scammers, who look to prey on people overwhelmed by the health insurance marketplace.
Chain messages warning of WhatsApp cyberattacks linked to Israel-Hamas war images are a hoax
A viral chain message warning about a cyberattack linked to Israel-Hamas war images on WhatsApp is a hoax. Similar hoaxes have spread online prior to the war.
Viral facebook posts about Amber Alert for girl named Bella Heather are fake
Facebook posts about missing 5-year-old Bella Heather are fake. The identical text seen in the posts, fake image and spam-like nature are telltale signs of a bait-an
Some sites advertising Bed Bath and Beyond sales are scams
In April, Bed, Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy and closed hundreds of stores. Scammers have since been using store branding to steal your personal information.
No, the IRS is not sending emails to taxpayers about a third round of economic impact payments
The IRS is not sending emails to taxpayers about a third round of economic impact payments because it does not initiate contact via email. This is a phishing scam.
No, power tool liquidation sale posts on Facebook aren’t legit
Facebook posts advertising cheap, liquidation sales of DEWALT and Milwaukee Tool sets are a scam. Home Depot and Lowes value them at hundreds of dollars.
Yes, thieves can steal your money by rewriting checks left in your mailbox
Check washing, when someone steals checks from the mail and erases everything but your signature to get a blank check, has become a popular form of fraud.
Yes, this GoFundMe is really associated with Damar Hamlin
Fans have raised millions in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's toy drive after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a football game against the Bengals.
3 immediate steps to protect yourself after falling victim to a scam
Scammers can call, email or send text messages to get money or personal information. If you gave them your credit card, bank, or other info, here is how to lock your
Posts suggesting the Biden administration is forcing states to fund health care costs for migrants are misleading
The Biden administration finalized a rule to make it easier for DACA recipients to get health care, but the rule doesn’t apply to all undocumented immigrants.
Both the Trump and Biden administrations enacted $35 insulin price caps for certain Medicare recipients. Trump’s was first, but Biden’s applies to more people.
A health advisory about the COVID-19 xbb variant has not been issued by the CDC
Several VERIFY readers asked us to look into Facebook posts claiming to show a CDC advisory about the XBB subvariant of COVID-19. Here’s what we found.
Project 2025’s proposals for Medicaid and Medicare: What we can VERIFY
Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation plan to transform the government during a conservative administration, proposes cuts to Medicaid and changes to Medicare.
Are knockoff Ozempic, other weight-loss drugs safe?
The best thing you can do to protect your electronics from damage is to unplug them before severe weather — even if they’re connected to a surge protector.
Yes, there is a canned coffee recall in the U.S. due to botulism risk
Snapchill Coffee, a company responsible for manufacturing hundreds of canned coffee drinks in the U.S., voluntarily recalled all of its products over botulism risk.
Celsius energy drink is not banned by the NCAA and at the Olympics
Some headlines and posts claim the NCAA and Olympics have banned athletes from consuming Celsius energy drinks because of their ingredients. Here’s why that’s false.
No, HIPAA does not protect all of your private medical information
HIPAA is a federal law that restricts the release of medical information without a person’s consent, but it doesn’t protect all of your private medical information.
What we can VERIFY about the safest places in your home during a tornado
A basement is the safest place during a tornado. But what if you live in a home without one, an apartment or a mobile home? Here’s what to know about safety.
Minnesota bill wouldn't allow people to be bought and sold
Viral videos have led some people to believe that a Minnesota bill would legalize slavery. It would actually establish a legal framework for surrogacy agreements.
A proposed federal rule would regulate portable gas-powered generators’ carbon monoxide safety systems. An industry group says that could cause a temporary shortage.
Yes, weather-related pressure changes can impact your joints
VERIFYing the correlation between pressure changes and joint pain, how change in weather pattern/pressure increase or decrease can cause discomfort in joints.
“Using hormonal birth control doesn’t affect your ability to have a baby in the future,” Miriam Cremer, M.D., women’s health specialist at the Cleveland Clinic says.
There is no evidence anyone has gotten the bird flu from eating eggs. Experts say fully cooking eggs reduces the risk of illnesses like the bird flu and salmonella.
We VERIFY whether you can brush your teeth, wash dishes or shower during a boil water advisory, and if it’s safe to drink filtered water that isn’t boiled.
No, ‘Sugar Defender’ supplements cannot cure diabetes
Ads suggest a “Tom Green’s Sugar Defender” helped over 100,000 stabilize blood sugar and “overcome” diabetes. It cannot cure diabetes and is an all-natural scam.
Should you start taking your allergy medicine before spring begins? Is honey an effective remedy for symptoms? We VERIFY answers to common questions about spring all
What we can VERIFY about claims of pesticides in oats
A study found oat products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats had traces of a chemical that may affect fertility in animals. But the levels were far below EPA limits.
Amid an uptick in measles outbreaks, some people claim adults born before 1989 need an MMR booster. The recommendation changed that year from one to two shots.
A total solar eclipse will sweep across North America on April 8, 2024. Looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. Here are tips on how to protect them.
Alaskapox, which was identified in 2015, is a rare orthopoxvirus related to smallpox. An elderly man in Alaska is the first reported person to die of the virus.
There is no evidence of a new illness causing lingering coughs in the U.S.
Do you have a hacking cough that’s been hanging on for weeks? Here’s what to know about viruses that can cause a lingering cough and when to see a doctor.
No, Tyson Foods did not announce a plan to add insects to food for people
Tyson Foods and Protix, an insect protein company, entered into a partnership to build an insect ingredient facility in the U.S. to produce animal feed and pet food.
Social posts falsely claim long line of people in Omaha are waiting for mpox testing
A video shared online doesn’t show mpox, or monkeypox, testing in Omaha. It’s a line for a Tim Walz rally. There are no reported cases of the disease in the U.S.
No, Harris campaign did not place Craigslist ‘actors needed’ ad for Arizona rally
Posts showing an ad for actors claim it was listed by Harris’s camp to fill a Phoenix rally crowd. It’s a meme that’s been online for years, including about Trump.
Former President Trump didn’t “freeze” for 21 seconds at his Bozeman, Montana, rally. Viral clips show him pause during an attendee’s medical emergency.
No, Tim Walz does not have a net worth of $138 million
Democratic vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, do not have a net worth of $138 million, like a viral meme falsely claims.
What did JD Vance do in the military? Your questions answered
After JD Vance accused his opponent Tim Walz of “stolen valor,” many VERIFY readers asked us questions about Vance’s military service. Here’s what we found.
Trump's claim about fake crowds in an image at Harris' rally is false
Several VERIFY readers asked us if an image from Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s rally near Detroit were made with artificial intelligence, like Donald Trump claimed.
VERIFYING claims about Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz
We VERIFY two claims about dem VP Tim Walz, yes he did get a DUI 30 years ago, and no he did not refuse to order the national guard to Minneapolis in 2020.
Israel swim team 'bring them home now' image not from Olympics
The image of Israel’s synchronized swimming team creating a formation that calls for the release of hostages held by Hamas was actually taken in November 2023.
No, Project 2025 doesn’t call for repealing women’s right to vote
A joke made by Project 2025 advisor John McEntee about the 19th Amendment is being shared out of context. Project 2025 doesn’t call to remove women’s right to vote.
There isn't a nationwide ban on landlords charging three months' rent as security deposit
A California law limits security deposits to one month’s rent beginning July 1 for most rentals. This law isn’t nationwide, although many states have similar laws.
Automatic draft registration bill: What we can VERIFY
Posts claim an annual defense bill would automatically register young men and women for the military draft. Here’s what we can VERIFY about the proposed legislation.
AI-generated photos flood Facebook to drive engagement
Striking AI-generated images of service members, quadruplets or children in rubble are often shared on Facebook, and they could be used as part of a scam tactic.
It is illegal to buy and own a gun if you use marijuana
After Hunter Biden was convicted of three felony gun charges, posts on X claimed it is against federal law to own a gun with a medical marijuana card. That’s true.
AI-generated search results aren’t always accurate. Here’s how to avoid getting duped.
Google search engine results recently said kids should eat rocks and glue can be used in pizza sauce. Here are tips to fact check those search results yourself.
Americans living illegally in Mexico can be deported
After watching a TikTok, several VERIFY readers asked if Mexico deports American citizens who are in the country illegally. It does happen, but it’s not that common.
Claims that Donald Trump is no longer able to visit 37 countries now that he’s a convicted felon need context
Convicted felons in the U.S. can’t travel internationally in some cases. Canada, Mexico and Australia are among the countries with restrictions for convicted felons.
Viral posts claiming Trump's appeal would be heard by a panel of Black female judges are misleading
Five judges in a viral photo are among a pool of 21 on a New York court that could hear Trump’s appeal. Up to five of those 21 judges would be randomly chosen.
No, the United Nations doesn’t give cash to migrants entering the US from Mexico
The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the U.N. Refugee Agency do not give cash to migrants entering the U.S. via the Mexico border.
Can Trump still vote in Florida after felony conviction? It depends.
Former President Donald Trump will still be able to vote for himself in Florida on Election Day as long as he’s not in prison in New York at that time.
No, you won’t be able to see the rare planetary alignment with the naked eye
You’ll need a telescope or binoculars to see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in alignment at once just before sunrise on June 3 and 4.
