Passing on information can feel like one way we can support our families and friends here at the BBC, really working very hard to make sure that everything we broadcast and published is accurate on up to date.

But there is a whole load of information out there that is on.

Misinformation can spread fast.

If a message is sent to a WhatsApp group of 20 then each of them shares with 20 other people.

Andi this'll happens five times.

It can reach more than three million people very quickly.

Untruth can take many forms.

One of the most common way seeing is copied and pasted messages being passed around on what's app or in Facebook groups containing bad advice or fake cures.

And because these are shared by a friend or trusted source, it's not obvious who wrote these messages in the first place.

Often they're attributed to a vague source, like a friend's friend who's a doctor soldier or works with the government, for example, a voice note has been spreading on what sap in it.

A woman is translating advice from a colleague who has a friend working at a hospital on the Spanish island of Grand Canaria.

Some of the tips are helpful, such as washing surfaces thoroughly, but the voice memo includes misleading advice as well.

The speaker suggests sunlight neutralizes the virus on that Corona virus could be killed by taking a sip of warm water every 20 minutes.

There is no scientific basis for either of these claims.

If you're not sure the whole post is true, it might do more harm than good to share it.

Andi, if the source isn't easily identifiable or this story hasn't been reported elsewhere than it really is worth being skeptical about it.

Pictures taken out of context can also be really misleading.

A video from Italy was posted on Twitter showing military vehicles on the streets.

There were rumors they were responding to Corona virus riots.

In fact, they were returning from routine exercises that had nothing to do with the outbreak.

Some of us may share information with our friends, is a joke or to lighten their moved.

But even if they don't take it seriously, others might.

For example, a claim that lions were released in Russia to patrol the streets was taken seriously by some, it was not true way all want to share news that we think will help others.

But before you do follow these steps has the story being reported anywhere else?

Is it from a reliable source?

Has the photo or image being taken out of context?

If you're not sure, then maybe it's fake.

Andi, you can stop that information from doing harm by not sharing it any further.

If you want to check medical advice, go on the World Health Organization website.

And if you feel that a story isn't rial, you can always look to a reliable source like the BBC.