Hoax warning signs

Recently several virus hoaxes have been distributed. These describe viruses which do not exist. Here are some warning signs of a hoax. When looking at a virus alert, look at the following:

  1. Posted to newsgroup(s) that have nothing to do with viruses.
  2. Multiple exclamation marks.
  3. Forwarded from somewhere else.
  4. A request to spread the warning further.
  5. Reference to the FCC or other place that has nothing to do with viruses.
  6. Claims you get it from reading email.
  7. Claims that it is undetectable or that there is no cure.
  8. Overly technical details that don't make sense.
  9. Spelling and grammar mistakes.
  10. Being self-contradictory.
These warning signs can be used to spot many hoaxes. Here are a few examples:
Hackingburgh
AOL Trojan Virus
Penpal Greetings
Good Times
AOL4FREE
Multiple virus alerts(Penpal Greetings, Join the Crew, and "Returned or Unable to Deliver")
Bud Frogs/BUDDYLST
It takes guts to say "Jesus"

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