Internet & E-Mail Hoaxes, Chain Mail

MAIN Art &... Pop Culture Cyberculture Hoaxes

It's strange to consider how many of us are still taken in by e-mail and Internet hoaxes.

Unlike phishing, a hoax is simply designed to mislead, raise concerns, or otherwise fill up inboxes with mischevious untruths. (No Virginia, that Tourist Guy at the World Trade Center appeared through the magic of Photoshop).

Learn more about other e-mail hoaxes, fake virus alerts and their old predecessor - chain mail - and what to do before you pass them on to unsuspecting friends and family...

Symantec Security Response - Hoax Page - Our favorite for the easiest-to-use directory of the most prevalent hoaxes, in a comprehensive rundown from the "$800 from Microsoft" tale to the fake ZZ331 Virus alert.

Trend Micro Scams & Hoaxes - Another great list that prompts the question...How can people believe this stuff? The Banana Warning Hoax, um, for example.

Consumer Health Information - Internet Hoax Watch - Hear the one about flesh-eating bananas? And more, including genetically altered Kentucky Fried Chicken and cancer-causing antiperspirants.

Don't Spread That Hoax! - Please....with the most popular and long running - sympathy chain letters, the Neiman Marcus Secret Cookie Recipe, and "Proctor & Gamble Run by Church of Satan" hoax...

Hoax Busters - A good read and a BIG LIST of fake claims, phony virus alerts, phishing scams and 5 Telltale Signs for spotting a hoax (hint: if the subject header contains more than one exclamation point, delete).

Truth or Fiction - An Internet watchdog either verifying or putting the kabosh on media rumors, with Computer-Internet reality checks, celebrity gossip and more.

also see in Society -> Urban Legends