One of the greatest computer problems today is not malicious software
(viruses or Trojan Horses), but instead hoaxes warning of destructive
e-mail or impending attacks upon the recipients computer or telephone
system.

These hoaxes are responsible for Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt rather
than actual destruction or intrusion.  In practice, they take the form
of a chain letter.

Such hoaxes are relatively easy to detect if you know what to look for,
since all share at least three (and often more) of the same common
characteristics:

  Readers are asked to "send this to everyone you know."
  Well-known names in the computer industry are mentioned.
  The originator of the message is not identified.
  The original message is not dated.
  No point of contact is identified for further information
    or reporting.
  Warning that destruction is catastrophic, immediate,
    and unrecoverable.
  No means of avoidance is suggested.

Recipients of such e-mail should not distribute them further.  For
more information check the Virus Hoax Listing at the web site of
Network Associates Inc.:

    http://www.nai.com/services/support/hoax/hoax.asp


At the top of the hoax list is this URL:

    http://www.nai.com/services/support/hoax/aidshoax.asp

                     A.I.D.S. Virus Hoax
                This is NOT an actual virus.
  Below is a copy of the actual text which was passed around.

  ---------------------------------------------------------

  There is a virus out now being sent to people via
  email...it is called the A.I.D.S. VIRUS. It will destroy
  your memory, sound card and speakers, hard drive and it
  will infect your mouse or pointing device, as well as
  your keyboards making what you type not able to register
  on the screen. It self terminates only after it eats 5MB
  of hard drive space & will delete all programs.

  It will come via E-mail called "OPEN: VERY COOL! :)".
  Delete it immediately!! It will basically render your
  computer useless. PASS IT ON QUICKLY & TO AS MANY PEOPLE
  AS POSSIBLE!! THANKS!! :-)

  ---------------------------------------------------------


Please read "Virus Hoaxes and Anti-Virus Resources" at

  http://mmd.foxtail.com/Archives/Digests/199904/1999.04.20.04.html

A hoax is a trick, with the aim of proving how gullible a person
or persons can be when a skillful imposture is presented to them.

A dupe is one who has been or is easily deceived.

Don't be a dupe.  Don't propagate a hoax.

Robbie Rhodes