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  4. Hoax Descriptions

Hoax Descriptions

  1. Note

      We no longer actively index Internet hoaxes.

      We generally only research virus-related hoaxes. We do not evaluate whether non-computer related folklore stories are urban legends or true stories.

      For recent computer related urban legends, check snopes.com (external link).

      Information regarding criminal scams and social engineering hoaxes can found on our Security Lab Blog.

  2. Olympic Torch

      The Olympic Torch hoax is representative of many virus hoaxes:

        •  Olympic Torch Description

Advice

Do not forward hoax messages.

Hoax warnings are typically scare alerts started by malicious people – and passed on by innocent individuals that think they are helping the community by spreading the warning.

Corporate users can get rid of the hoax problem by simply setting a strict company guideline: End users must not forward virus alarms. Ever. It's not the job of an end user anyway.

If such a message is received, end users can forward it to the IT department but not to anyone else.