ThinkCritical.eu · Manipulation atlas
Sources and evidenceFalse authority
Citing “doctors”, “a professor” or an authority without a name or a checkable source – or misusing a real name.
A title, a white coat or an impressive-sounding institution inspires trust – which is exactly why manipulators like them. What matters is whether the person or institution can actually be traced, and whether they are speaking within their own field.
A video on social media: a man in a white coat introduces himself as “a senior consultant with thirty years' experience” and claims herbal drops can replace blood-pressure medication. He gives no full name and no hospital, and there is a shop link under the video.
How to spot it
- A title or job with no full name or workplace (“a leading doctor”, “a professor of medicine”).
- An impressive-sounding institution that nobody else writes about.
- The expert talks outside their own field or is selling a particular product.
- The name of a real authority, bank or doctor turns up in an unexpected message or advert.
How to check and what to do
- Search for the name and workplace: can you find the person on the website of the hospital, university or authority?
- For an institution, check whether anyone other than the institution itself writes about it, and look it up in the official company register.
- For an investment offer, check the firm in the financial regulator's public register.
- If an “authority” or “bank” pushes you to pay, hang up and call them yourself on the number from their official website or the back of your card. If you suspect a scam, contact your bank and the local police.
Tip: A real expert puts their full name to their claims and isn't afraid of questions.
Full explanation and exercises:
thinkcritical.eu/en/manipulation-atlas/authority