False “Tagesschau” reports: How to recognize?

The common claim

Alleged screenshots of the “Tagesschau” are circulating on social networks, especially on Facebook, which show Susanne Daubner reading out news about a “new Amazon platform” and a “new program”. The images suggest that Jeff Bezos has confirmed rumors. These digitally manipulated images use the trust in the reliability of the “Tagesschau” to increase the credibility of the made-up reports. The authenticity of these screenshots is questioned because they show features that do not correspond to the usual appearance of the “Tagesschau”.

The fact check on the Tagesschau picture

The check shows that the screenshots are fakes. The “Tagesschau” did not publish any of the articles shown. In addition, Jeff Bezos resigned as CEO of Amazon in July 2021, which makes the claims about him even more unbelievable. Research shows that neither the fonts nor the style of the images match those of the “Tagesschau”. In addition, one of the images originally comes from the “New York Times” and was used for the montage. Susanne Daubner's pictures are real, but were combined with other pictures and texts that were not shown in the program.

What we found out

The images circulating are clearly fakes that aim to exploit the credibility of the “Tagesschau” to spread false news. Using real images of Susanne Daubner in combination with made-up content is a common technique to make the deception more believable. These falsifications have no basis in the actual reporting of the “Tagesschau” or the statements of Jeff Bezos.

Examples of fraud detection

To illustrate how to recognize fake screenshots, concrete examples can be very helpful. Imagine seeing a screenshot that claims to come from a trusted news source like “Tagesschau”. The first warning sign of a counterfeit could be an unusual font that does not correspond to the typical appearance of the Tagesschau. Real screenshots use consistent, recognizable fonts for headings and body text. A second indication could be the quality and placement of logos or graphic elements; Official images have high image quality and place logos in specific, balanced positions.

In addition, inconsistencies in formatting, such as the positioning of the date and time or the arrangement of text elements, should be closely examined. Authentic news sources follow strict guidelines for the design of their content. By showing such examples, supplemented by visual comparisons of real and fake screenshots, readers can learn to recognize the subtle but significant differences that indicate a fake. This knowledge strengthens media literacy and raises awareness of critical engagement with online content.

Recommendations for action in case of suspicion

If you suspect that an image or message may be fake, it is important to act proactively to verify its authenticity. A first step should be to directly visit the alleged source's official website or social media to search for the specific message or image. Official sources update their content regularly and therefore provide a reliable reference. If the relevant information cannot be found there, this increases the suspicion of a forgery.

Using fact-checking websites like ours, which specialize in checking such content, can also provide valuable information. These sites often document known fakes and provide detailed analysis to debunk disinformation. In addition, it is advisable to use search engines' reverse image search to determine the origin of a suspicious image. This can indicate whether the image has already been used in a different context or at a previous point in time. If in doubt, it is advisable not to redistribute the image and report the content through trustworthy channels. By following these steps, each individual will help limit the spread of misinformation and promote an informed public.

Questions and answers on the subject of fake news

Question 1: How to detect fake news screenshots?
Answer 1: Look for discrepancies such as font, style and content errors that do not match the source.

Question 2: Are reputable brands often used for online scams?
Answer 2: Yes, scammers use trust in well-known brands to increase their credibility.

Question 3: Has Jeff Bezos recently confirmed rumors about Amazon?
Answer 3: No, Jeff Bezos is no longer CEO of Amazon and the “confirmations” quoted are fictitious.

Question 4: Can you protect yourself from such scams?
Answer 4: Yes, by remaining critical, checking sources and reporting suspicious content.

Question 5: What to do if you are a victim of fraud?
Answer 5: Inform the affected platforms and, if necessary, the police.

Conclusion

Be wary of content shared on social media, especially if it quotes well-known brands or people. Always verify information against reputable sources before sharing it. False information can not only be misleading, but can also damage the reputation of individuals and institutions. Critically checking sources is essential to protect yourself from fraud.

Source: dpa

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