Short Answer 
John should exercise caution when receiving serious emails, verify the claims through official sources, and take appropriate action based on the authenticity of the information, which may include sharing it responsibly if true or marking it as junk if false.
Step 1: Exercise Caution
When John receives an email concerning serious matters, such as a potential shutdown of social services, he should approach it with a sense of caution. Important aspects to consider include:
- Identifying any signs of a hoax or scam.
- Recognizing the potential for misinformation that may spread quickly.
- Understanding the implications of forwarding potentially misleading information.
Step 2: Verify the Claim
Before taking any action, John should prioritize researching the email’s contents to verify its authenticity. This can be done by:
- Checking official sources or news outlets for similar announcements.
- Consulting reliable platforms or networks to gather information about the claim.
- Cross-referencing with known facts to discern the validity of the email.
Step 3: Take Appropriate Action
Once John has verified the claim, he can decide how to respond appropriately. His options may include:
- If the claim is true, consider sharing it within responsible networks.
- If it’s false, marking the email as junk or deleting it to prevent further dissemination.
- Refraining from forwarding the email until confirming its legitimacy, protecting others from potential misinformation.