by: Heather Willis, Senior Consultant
In today’s digital era, the ability to verify information online is paramount for making informed decisions and preventing the spread of misinformation. Fact-checking plays a vital role in prospect research and due diligence, particularly for nonprofits who are seeking to gather reliable data, enhance fundraising strategies, and cultivate meaningful relationships with donors. It is beneficial to periodically remind ourselves of the importance of these practices that enhance our search experiences across various platforms such as Google. Below are some effective strategies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of online content.
Cross-Referencing Multiple Sources
One of the primary methods to verify information is by cross-referencing it with multiple reputable sources. This involves checking if different sources provide consistent information on the same topic. If several credible sources confirm the information, it is likely to be accurate. This approach helps to identify any discrepancies and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Evaluating the Author’s Credentials
Assessing the credentials and expertise of the author is vital. Look for details about their qualifications, professional background, and affiliations. Authors with relevant expertise are more likely to produce reliable content. Be cautious of information from authors without verifiable credentials or those known for spreading misinformation.
Analyzing the Website’s Domain
The domain of a website can offer clues about its credibility. Established institutions, governmental websites, and reputable news organizations typically have domain extensions like .edu, .gov, or .org. Be wary of unfamiliar domains or those that mimic well-known sources with slight variations, as these can be indicators of unreliable content. For example, the following domain extensions have been identified as common extensions for spam websites: .biz, .info, .science, .stream, .men, .party, .top
Using Fact-Checking Tools
- Fact Check Explorer: This tool allows users to search for fact checks on specific claims, providing a comprehensive overview of whether a statement has been verified by independent organizations globally. It supports both text and image searches, making it easier to verify multimedia content.
- Snopes: A widely recognized fact-checking website that investigates rumors, urban legends, and misinformation across various topics, providing detailed explanations and sources for their findings.
- FactCheck.org: Affiliated with the Annenberg Public Policy Center, this site monitors the factual accuracy of statements made by U.S. politicians and provides comprehensive analyses of political claims.
- PolitiFact: A project of the Poynter Institute, PolitiFact rates the accuracy of claims made by politicians and public figures, using a “Truth-O-Meter” to categorize statements from true to false.
- Hoaxy: A web-based tool that visualizes the spread of articles online, tracking claims and fact-checking efforts since 2016. It helps users see how misinformation propagates across social media.
- First Draft: Offers a verification curriculum designed for journalists and the general public, teaching techniques to verify the accuracy and credibility of various types of media.
- Forensically: A collection of digital image forensics tools that allows users to analyze images for tampering, including error level analysis and metadata examination.
- Media Bias/Fact Check: A resource that provides information on the bias of various news sources, helping users understand the perspective from which a piece of information is presented.
Check website content
Reviewing an entire website can be time-consuming, but it is a reliable method for verifying authenticity. For businesses and organizations, checking for partners or trust seals can help assess credibility. Trust seals, often used by software companies, highlight endorsements from clients and enhance marketability.
Additionally, verify the contact information. Legitimate websites should provide clear contact details, including their full name, representatives, physical address, and customer support email.
Pay attention to the email address domain. For example, john.doe@quhgruls.com is not a legitimate address. You can also use online tools that can help you with email verification.
Other red flags include poor grammar, spelling mistakes, as well as a variety of intrusive ads.
Check the website’s social proof
Google the organization or business. Negative news travels fast, so checking user or customer feedback can also help you verify website authenticity. Check reviews and search for information about their reputation. When searching with an added keyword such as “reviews,” “scam,” “reputation,” etc., it could help you run into social media feedback or blog posts and comments about the website, business or organization.
Keep in mind that reviews can be bought. Even on the reputable and real Amazon, up to 70% of the reviews are fake – so imagine how it can be elsewhere.
The Importance of Fact Checking for Prospect Research & Due Diligence: A Case Study
A cautionary tale illustrates the critical importance of fact-checking in philanthropic decision-making. A prominent organization nearly lost a substantial donation due to misinformation, highlighting the value of thorough prospect research and fact-checking processes.
The incident unfolded when a board member stumbled upon an online article alleging that a prospective major donor was involved in morally and financially questionable business practices. Concerned about potential reputational damage, the organization hastily decided to decline the donation without further investigation.
This decision, however, overlooked a crucial step: leveraging the organization’s prospect research team to verify the information. Unbeknownst to the decision-makers, the research team had already conducted due diligence on the donor and given their approval.
Upon learning of the situation, the research team promptly fact-checked the allegations. Their investigation revealed that the source was a fraudulent website featuring manipulated photos and false information. The misinformation stemmed from a long-standing dispute between the donor and the website’s creators.
Unfortunately, the organization’s hasty decision had already upset the donor, resulting in the withdrawal of the potential gift. This case underscores the importance of thorough fact-checking and the value of internal research capabilities in safeguarding both organizational relationships and financial opportunities.
Extra Credit?
Finally, if you’re the gaming type and want to test your skills after reading this, check out this and see how you rate. If you are interested in reading more, take a look at Verified, How to Think Straight, Get Duped Less, and Make Better Decisions about What to Believe Online, an indispensable guide for telling fact from fiction on the internet—often in less than 30 seconds, by Mike Caulfield and Sam Wineburg.
In Summary
The ability to verify online information is crucial in today’s digital age, especially for nonprofits engaged in prospect research and due diligence. These practices enhance decision-making and prevent the spread of misinformation.
