A surprising story
A post says that a Moroccan bride and groom left their wedding and escaped to Ceuta.
1. My first hypothesis
2. Investigate
Investigation clue: Look at the image, the source, and whether a real news outlet reported the story.
“What should I check before believing this claim? Give me search keywords and reliable types of sources. Do not decide whether it is true for me.”
3. Final verdict
What did the fact-check show?
AFP found no reliable report supporting the story and showed that the wedding images had been digitally altered using AI tools.
Key lesson: A convincing image can be fake even when it is based on a real event.
A viral video
A viral video shows a huge crowd on a hill. The caption says: “Thousands of migrants are arriving in Ceuta.”
1. My first hypothesis
2. Investigate
Investigation clue: Try to identify where the video was filmed and when it first appeared online.
“What should I check before believing this claim? Give me search keywords and reliable types of sources. Do not decide whether it is true for me.”
3. Final verdict
What did the fact-check show?
The footage shows pilgrims at Mount Cudi in southeastern Turkey, filmed weeks before the Ceuta migration crisis.
Key lesson: A real video + a false caption can create misinformation.
Old or recent?
A video is shared as if it shows migrants crossing into Ceuta during the recent 2026 events.
1. My first hypothesis
2. Investigate
Investigation clue: Check the earliest date you can find for the video.
“What should I check before believing this claim? Give me search keywords and reliable types of sources. Do not decide whether it is true for me.”
3. Final verdict
What did the fact-check show?
The video is genuine, but it dates from May 2021, not the 2026 events.
Key lesson: Old footage can be recycled to make a current claim look true.
A tempting offer
A video claims that France gives people from several African countries €1,800 every month, plus free housing, food and transport.
1. My first hypothesis
2. Investigate
Investigation clue: If it were an official programme, where should you be able to find it?
“What should I check before believing this claim? Give me search keywords and reliable types of sources. Do not decide whether it is true for me.”
3. Final verdict
What did the fact-check show?
AFP found no such official programme. The viral video used AI-generated or manipulated elements and recycled footage.
Key lesson: For a government claim, always check an official government website.
A striking number
A post says that 695,000 British people left the UK in one year and were replaced by around 900,000 people from overseas.
1. My first hypothesis
2. Investigate
Investigation clue: Ask what the 695,000 figure actually measures. Does it mean British citizens only?
“What should I check before believing this claim? Give me search keywords and reliable types of sources. Do not decide whether it is true for me.”
3. Final verdict
What did the fact-check show?
The figure referred to total emigration, not British nationals only. Full Fact reported about 252,000 British nationals in that period.
Key lesson: Real numbers can still be used in a misleading way.
A claim to verify
More than 150,000 people arrived in Europe through Mediterranean and Northwest African maritime routes during 2025.
1. My first hypothesis
2. Investigate
Investigation clue: This time, do not assume the statement is false. Find an official data source.
“What should I check before believing this claim? Give me search keywords and reliable types of sources. Do not decide whether it is true for me.”
3. Final verdict
What did the fact-check show?
This case is included so that not every claim is false. Students should verify the annual total using UNHCR route data and reports.
Key lesson: Fact-checking means verifying — not automatically distrusting everything.