Interrupt-a-Rumor Script Card

For the method in How to Interrupt a Rumor in a Group Chat Without Starting a Fight. Goal: interrupt the claim’s momentum, not win an argument.

Not for

A claim with urgency, secrecy, or a money request attached - treat that as a possible scam first, see recognising AI-enabled scams.

Step 1: The two-minute verification prompt

Here is a claim from a group chat: [paste it]. In one sentence, what
is the specific checkable claim being made? Then tell me what kind of
source would confirm or refute it directly (a named outlet, an
official account, an official statement) - do not tell me whether the
claim is true, I will check the source myself.

Source opened and checked myself (2 minutes max)

Step 2: Pick the response

Situation	Script
Confirmed false	”Looked into this - original source is [X], and it actually says [Y]. The version going around added [inaccurate part].”
True but missing context	”This part checks out, but worth adding: [missing context], from [source].”
Could not verify	”Couldn’t confirm this one way or the other from [source]. Might be worth holding off sharing until it’s clearer.”
Pushback received	Restate the source once, calmly. Do not repeat the argument.

Step 3: Rules of the interruption

Addressed the claim, not the person who shared it
Led with the source, then the conclusion
Gave an easy out (“easy mistake, it was worded to sound urgent”)
Did not escalate if contested
Posted a follow-up if the picture later changed

Step 4: High-stakes follow-up

If real stakes are involved (money, safety, a decision), messaged the most affected person directly - not just posted in the group