How to Tell What’s True Online

The internet is full of claims, ads, and offers — but which ones can you actually trust?

Some seem harmless, like a five-star product review or an unbelievable sale. Others could be dangerous, like a scam email or a misleading health supplement. In a world where anyone can post anything, how do you separate truth from trickery?

The answer isn’t just common sense — it’s using the right tools, asking the right questions, and knowing what signals to look for.

The Danger of Trusting Reviews

A glowing online review might seem like a good sign, but many are fake — bought and paid for to boost sales. It’s now a business: companies pay strangers to write short, vague, overly positive reviews. Think: "Amazing! Best product ever!" — with no detail, no photos, and no personal experience.

To get closer to the truth, sort reviews by "Most Recent" rather than "Top." You’ll often see a different story: critical comments with specific complaints, repeated issues (like poor battery life or weak suction), and signs that the product isn’t as reliable as it first looked.

Real reviews tend to be longer, more balanced, and written in a natural tone. Fake ones often feel forced, brief, or strangely enthusiastic.

The Too-Good-To-Be-True Price Trap

If something is advertised at a fraction of the price you see elsewhere, pause. Scammers build professional-looking websites that mimic real stores, but the deals are bait. You might get nothing at all, or a cheap knockoff.

One smart move? Cross-check the price on trusted retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart. Then go a step further with a site like camelcamelcamel.com, which shows the full price history of Amazon products. That "limited-time 60% off" deal might have been the regular price all along.

During big sales seasons (like Black Friday), these tricks get even more common. Companies inflate "original" prices just to make a discount look dramatic. Checking the real historical price puts the power back in your hands.

Is It Even Real? Fact-Checking Claims

Beyond shopping, the internet is full of bold claims. A celebrity has died. A big company is shutting down. A miracle cure has been discovered. Before you believe (or share) anything, see if reputable sources agree.

Try this: search the topic, then click on the "News" tab in Google. Are major news outlets reporting it? If not, it's probably false.

You can also use sites like Snopes, PolitiFact, and FactCheck.org to investigate everything from political rumors to viral Facebook posts. They’re not perfect, but they’re far more reliable than anonymous memes.

And if you're evaluating health advice or products, look for actual research. Add words like "case study," "results," or "research journal" to your search. Look for sources like NIH (National Institutes of Health) or peer-reviewed publications — not just blogs or marketing pages.

Let the Crowd Help You

Forums are one of the internet's most underrated tools. Sites like Reddit and Quora are full of people sharing real-world experiences, asking tough questions, and ranking the most helpful answers.

Looking at a supplement? A new car? Wondering about the safety of a product or the truth behind a headline? Type your question into Google and add "Reddit" or "forum." You’ll often find in-depth discussions, with top-voted comments that explain things better than any ad ever could.

Unlike marketing content, forums aren’t polished or perfect. That’s the point. You're hearing from people who have nothing to sell you.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t trust five-star ratings at face value — read the actual reviews.

• Cross-check prices on reputable websites, and use tools to see price history.

• Use real fact-checking and research sources, not just search results.

• Forums can reveal what actual people think, not just what a company wants you to believe.

The internet isn't just a marketplace — it's a minefield of misinformation. But with the right approach, you can find what’s real, ignore what’s fake, and make smarter decisions every time you click.

Nathan Scataglini

Owner of Bright Concierge

If you’re having an issue with your tech we can help you resolve it. Give us a call at (602) 612-9000 to book an appointment.