Hoax?

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HOAXES

Hoaxes are forwarded e-mails warnings about viruses and virus-like programs. On a hoax the virus described really does not exist. It is made up by someone who thought it would be funny. Hoaxes are easy to create and require no programming.

They are usually absurd but people forward hoaxes anyway because they are ill-informed. That is, most people can't tell if hoax is referring to a true virus or not. The best advice if your not sure is to consult an anti-virus site. They would know of any new viruses. Also try the Hoax Links on the navigation bar. It will take you to links for three sites that have hoax databases which are updated regularly.

EXAMPLES

Some examples of hoaxes are the $800 from Microsoft Chain Mail Hoax, the Pluperfect Hoax, and the Mobile Phone Hoax. Another hoax that was common at one time was AOL4FREE. This hoax became widespread a couple of years ago and said:

 "Anyone who recieves this must send it to as many people as you can.
  It is essential that this problem be reconciled as soon as possible.

  A few hours ago, I opened an E-mail that had the subject heading of
  aol4free.com.

  Within seconds of opening it, a window appeared and began to display
  my files that were being deleted. I immediately shut down my
  computer, but it was too late. This virus wiped me out.

  It ate the Anti-Virus Software that comes with the Windows '95
  Program along with F-Prot AVS. Neither was able to detect it. Please
  be careful and send this to as many people as possible, so maybe
  this new virus can be eliminated."