It is often useful to check the accuracy of statements that are made in print and online media.  Four steps in the process of fact checking and a list of websites for fact checking can be found below.

Four Moves for Fact Checking

1. Check for previous work: Look around to see if someone else has already fact-checked the claim or provided a synthesis of research.

2. Go upstream to the source: Go “upstream” to the source of the claim. Most web content is not original. Get to the original source to understand the trustworthiness of the information.

3. Read laterally: Read laterally.[1] Once you get to the source of a claim, read what other people say about the source (publication, author, etc.). The truth is in the network.

4. Circle back: If you get lost, hit dead ends, or find yourself going down an increasingly confusing rabbit hole, back up and start over knowing what you know now. You’re likely to take a more informed path with different search terms and better decisions.

From Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers (free online ebook)

Snopes
Snopes, which started in 1994,  is the oldest and largest fact-checking site online.
Snopes Additional Information

FactCheck.org
Launched in 2003, FactCheck.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit website that monitors the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases.
FactCheck.org Additional Information

Politifact
Launched in 2007, Politifact is a website that fact-checks journalism.  
Politifact Additional Information

The Poynter Institute
"The Poynter Institute is a global nonprofit that strengthens democracy by improving the relevance, ethical practice and value of journalism. Through teaching, publishing, convening, fact-checking and media literacy, Poynter creates a crossroads where communities come together to use journalism to confront society’s complex problems."--from poynter.org