This video from FlackCheck.org helps readers identify “Key Characteristics of Bogusness” in chain emails.
FlackCheck.org Video: Spotting Bogus Claims
Tag: viral emails
No ‘New World Order’
Q: Did President Obama call for a “new world order” in a speech in Europe?
A: No. Video of Obama’s speech was edited to change the meaning of what he said.
Medicare Under Observation
Q: Is it true that, under the Affordable Care Act, “Medicare will not pay anything” for patients receiving only “observation” care in hospitals?
A: No. Medicare will pay a significant portion of observation care costs after copayments and deductibles are met. Nothing has changed as a result of the ACA.
False Tax Claims
Q: Did Democrats increase federal income tax rates in 2014 under Obamacare?
A: No. Tax increases mentioned in a viral email went into effect a year earlier, as part of a budget deal supported by many Republicans as well as most Democrats.