Know When It's a Hoax

It's common to receive tons of information when one is browsing on the web or just reading emails but as there are valid information, there are also hoaxes. These may come even from trusted friends and family. How do you know if what you are reading is a hoax or not?

Here's a good list:

1. It points out that it "is a completely true story," or that it's "perfectly legal." If the author feels he or she has to make it clear, it's probably not so.
2. It relates an account of events that supposedly happened to an unidentified third person (i.e., "the dear son of the neighbor of a guy my boss knows.") How far the author is removed from the subject is usually directly proportional to how far the subject is removed from reality.
3. It claims to give you information that the media or government doesn't want you to have. Conspiracies are fun to believe, and most often full of hot air.
4. It "name drops," that is, mentions well-known companies or individuals that could be logically connected to the subject matter, without providing validation that they are connected.
5. It warns of some bizarre way to contract cancer, AIDS, or any other terrible (and high-profile) disease, or some other bizarre way to die or become seriously injured.
6. It contains references to "yesterday" or "last week," but doesn't say exactly when that was. Chain letters often arrive in our inboxes looking exactly as they did days, weeks, months, even years ago.
7. After reading it, you are either angry, scared, worried, or distrustful and want to do something about it. Emotions are a strong motivator, and hoaxters know this. They'll do everything they can to keep you from thinking critically.
8. It asks, begs or bullies you to forward it on to everyone you know.