Toolkit on Mis- and Dis- Information

Stop the Spread of Misinformation

Use your W.I.T.S.

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that may be spread. Disinformation is false or inaccurate information that is intentionally meant to mislead, scare, or trick people. Both can spread quickly during disasters like wildfires. It’s okay to be unsure or confused. Follow these steps to avoid accidentally sharing false information with others.

Wait. Take a moment before sharing.
Investigate multiple sources. Do these sources provide the same information?
Think critically about why you believe certain information is credible.
Once you’ve gone through these steps and confirmed that the information is credible,

Share responsibly.

By using this approach, we can stop the spread of misinformation. Staying informed and sharing credible information helps protect our community!

Use your W.I.T.S.!

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How to Spot Misinformation

Misinformation can spread quickly during emergencies. By knowing what to look for, you can stay informed and avoid inadvertently sharing false information with friends and family. Some things to look for:

Fake Experts
Not everyone who claims to be an expert actually is. Before trusting information or advice, ask:
- Who is the author?
- What are their relevant credentials or experience?
- Are they from a verified organization (Wildfire example: Cal Fire, National Weather Service)?
AI-Generated Images
Fake images are becoming more common. Watch for:
- Odd details (blurry edges, distorted faces, unrealistic flames).
- Reversed images (Google Lens or TinEye can help analyze images).
- Checking if other news sources confirm the image.
Emotional Language & Fear Tactics
Misinformation often uses emotional triggers to get reactions. Before panicking, ask:
- Does it have credible evidence, like facts, data or expert analysis?
- Does it make dramatic claims without sufficient evidence?
- Is the language designed to make people fearful or feel they need to take extreme action right away?
Our Own Beliefs & Biases
We all have beliefs and biases. This can make us vulnerable. Sometimes it’s easier to believe things that align with our views – even if they’re false.

How to Talk to Friends & Families Who Believe Misinformation

Misinformation can spread like wildfire. It can cause unnecessary panic and confusion during an emergency, making it harder for people to respond effectively. If someone you know is caught up in misinformation or myths, here’s how to guide friends and family toward the facts without starting a fight.

Step 1: Keep It Cool & Compassionate

No one likes to be told they’re wrong. Avoid confronting or making fun of them.
Acknowledge their concerns before jumping in with corrections.
Focus on ‘I’ statements instead of ‘you’ accusations.
Try saying:
- “I totally get why that might seem true, but…”
- “I heard that too, so I did some digging…”
- “That’s a common claim, but here’s what experts from ____ actually say…”

Step 2: Ask, Don’t Assume

Encourage them to think critically about their sources instead of arguing.
Ask:
- “Where did you hear that?”
- “Are you sure that source is reliable?”
- “Have you checked to see if other verifiable sources confirm this?”

Step 3: Bring in the Facts

Share expert-backed, up-to-date resources.
For example, if talking about the recent LA wildfires:

Step 4: Explain How Misinformation Spreads

Talk about frequent sources of misinformation such as AI generated images or common misconceptions.
Explain how social media algorithms fuel the spread of false information.
Use independent fact-checking tools such as:
- Factcheck.org
- Snopes.com

Step 5: Encourage a "Wait & Investigate" Mindset

Suggest they take a moment before sharing news.
Offer questions to consider first:
- “Does this source have a hidden motive in sharing this information (e.g., to scare you, trick you, persuade you to buy something)?”
- “Is this claim backed by experts?”
- “Is this post trying to stir up fear or outrage?”
- “Will sharing this information help others?”

Step 6: Lead by Example

Only share fact-based, up-to-date info on your own social media.
Be a source of reliable, level-headed updates for your community.
Be kind even when you don’t agree.

Step 7: Know When to Let It Go

If they won’t budge, don’t escalate the argument.
Let them sit with it—people may need time to reflect upon their beliefs.
Keep the door open for future conversations.

How to Spot & Avoid Scams

Disasters can bring out the best in people—and the worst. In the aftermath of an emergency, scammers often try to take advantage of vulnerable victims. Don’t be fooled! Protect yourself and your community from scams in the wake of wildfires or other emergencies.

Fake FEMA & Government Scams

Red Flags
- Someone claiming to be from a government agency such as FEMA asks for your Social Security number, bank info, or payment.
- You get a call, text, or email saying you must pay a “fee” to get disaster relief.
- A so-called “official” pressures you to sign paperwork, send money or hand over documents.

What to Do
- Go directly to FEMA’s website: disasterassistance.gov
- Verify before you trust. Call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to confirm any outreach.
- Never share personal info unless you’ve initiated the contact.

Fake Insurance & Financial Aid Scams

Red Flags
- Someone contacts you claiming to be your insurance provider, demanding immediate payment.
- You’re told you qualify for “special” disaster assistance but must pay to apply or share personal details like your Social Security Number, date of birth, etc.
- A financial service offers you a too-good-to-be-true loan or cash advance.

What to Do
- Contact your insurer directly. Call the number on your official policy, not one given by a stranger.
- Verify any financial aid claims. Check with disasterassistance.gov or the Small Business Administration.
- Never pay to receive aid. Real disaster relief programs do not charge fees.

Fake Charities & Donation Scams

Red Flags
- You get a phone call or email pressuring you to donate immediately.
- The “charity” refuses to provide details on how donations will be used.
- They ask for donations in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- The charity’s webpage has little or no information about the organization, lacks contact information, and/or contains limited evidence of past effectiveness.

What to Do
- Stick to trusted organizations. Donate directly through official websites like the American Red Cross or GlobalGiving.
- Verify before giving. Use sites like Charity Navigator to confirm legitimacy.
- Be wary of GoFundMe pages. Scammers create fake pages—donate only to verified campaigns.

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Rental & Housing Scams

Red Flags
- The listing does not include images from inside the property you are interested in, or has multiple typos, grammatical errors, or uses excessive punctuation.
- A landlord asks for rent or a deposit before showing you a property.
- The rental price seems too good to be true.
- They refuse to provide a lease or rental agreement.

What to Do
- Investigate the property and property manager before signing or agreeing to anything. Put the address of the listing into Google Maps—if what you see looks completely different from the images included in the ad, that may indicate a scam. You might also do an online search on the name of the property owner or rental company with the words “complaint,” “review,” or “scam.” See what other people say about their experiences with this company or individual.
- Use reputable rental websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, or Rent.com.
- Never wire money or send gift cards for a rental deposit.
- Meet in person and inspect the property before signing or paying anything.

Shady Contractors & Repair Scams

Red Flags
- A contractor knocks on your door uninvited, offering cheap, fast repairs.
- They demand full payment upfront or only accept cash.
- They won’t provide a contract or proof of a license.

What to Do
- Verify licenses. Check with the California Contractors State License Board.
- Get multiple estimates. Don’t rush into a deal with the first contractor you meet.
- Check out any reviews of their business.
- Ask for references.
- Never pay in full upfront. A small deposit is reasonable, but full payment before work begins is a red flag.

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Final Scam-Proofing Tips

Pause and verify. Scammers prey on urgency. Always double-check before acting.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.

Report scams!

If you suspect fraud, report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline: 1-866-720-5721 or the California Attorney General’s Office.

Share this guide to protect your community from scams. Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t let scammers take advantage of you or your loved ones!