Start with the claim attached to the image
A synthetic illustration labelled as such is different from an image presented as evidence of a real event. Identify what is being claimed, who published it and whether independent sources support that specific claim.
Look for provenance
Original files, publication history and signed provenance can provide context. Content Credentials describes a way to record origin and editing information. Missing credentials do not prove an image is fake, and a provenance record does not make every caption true.
Treat visual clues as questions
Unusual text, inconsistent reflections or distorted details may justify further checking. Compression, blur and ordinary editing can also create oddities. A convincing-looking image can still be synthetic. Avoid treating either appearance or a detector score as a definitive verdict.
Compare sources and preserve uncertainty
Search for earlier versions and inspect whether the caption changed. Ask the publisher for the original context if the decision matters. If evidence is insufficient, describe the image as unverified rather than inventing certainty. Follow the source-tracing guide for a repeatable process.