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Hoax listings. Common virus, email and computer related hoaxes

Background

Virus hoax messages are all too familiar to most email users. One of the main reasons for this is that they play on peoples ignorance - users are understandably concerned about viruses, and so consider it 'helpful' if, as suggested by the majority of hoaxes, they forward the message to all contacts in their address book.

Such an action, all be it well-meaning, is not helpful. Aside from the imposed network load, the consequence is that the hoax becomes 'well known' and listed on pages such as these. This fame (of sorts) no doubt leads to some degree of satisfaction for the hoax perpetrator.

What to do

If you receive a virus warning message, follow the advice below, and you will be able to quickly ascertain whether the warning is genuine, and what action you should take.

Most such emails are hoaxes. To verify that the warning in question is a hoax, consult the Virus Bulletin hoax listings.

Additionally, the following sites contain lots of useful up-to-date virus hoax information, and are worth consulting:

'New' virus hoaxes are, more often than not, merely recycled old hoaxes, with a few minor changes or additions. As such, it is possible to spot the tell-tale signs of a hoax. Typical phrases in the body of a virus hoax are:

Read the Hoax listings list of Virus Buletin at the end of this page.