Identifying E-mail Hoaxes and Scams

“Send to all your friends!” “Send to everyone in your address book!” You know my advice; when you see those words it’s best you just hit delete!

Even worse are the e-mails offering unbelievable deals and coupons — only for you and your friends!

How do you determine if something is legit that you may be interested in, and that peaks your interest just enough to cause an itch to forward? Before you forward an e-mail, (and this includes forwards that were forwarded to you from someone who had it forwarded to them) it is your responsibility to determine if the e-mail is even factual. Period. If you are not sure — delete!

Unfortunately, just from the e-mails that get forwarded to me, it appears that many folks leave common sense on the floor when they turn on their computers. At least once a day I find myself shaking my head and saying “How could you believe that!?”.

Because someone else believed it and forwarded to you? Not good enough! Just because others didn’t make the effort to verify e-mails sent to them, doesn’t mean you were hit with the dummy stick and then follow in suit. Because an e-mail is forwarded to you mean you can shrug off your responsibility in regard to what you choose to pass on to others.

Here are several sites that cover hoaxes, scams and chain letters so that you don’t look foolish propagating B.S.:

• Snopes
• Hoaxbusters
• Symantec Virus Hoaxes

Keep in mind that when you forward information you are in essence promoting and recommending that information. Show your stamp of approval and forward only those e-mails that are true and accurate. Not only will you save yourself embarrassment but those you communicate with will appreciate you only sending them valuable and authentic information.

You may also be interested in:

• Forwarding E-mails and Hurt Feelings
• E-mail Forwarding Tips and Advice
• Stop the E-mail Forwarding!