How to Spot a Hoax E-Mail
 
Several resources can tell you whether an e-mail claim you're interested in is a hoax. One is Hoax-Busters.org, which describes itself as the Big List of Internet Hoaxes; another is Snopes.com, which specializes in urban legends and hoaxes, and a third is Hoax-Slayer.com. Check out any of these sites before you forward that next petition, chain letter, or crazy photo.

Hoax-Busters also has a list of the "5 Telltale Signs of an Internet Hoax" that might useful.

  • The e-mail will have a sense of urgency about it, and probably a lot of exclamation points in it.
  • The e-mail will insist that you tell all your friends.
  • The text is adamant that this is "NOT a hoax."
  • It will earnestly inform you that there are dire consequences for not participating.
  • It probably is full of >>>> marks, showing that it has fooled a lot of people before you, and has been forwarded all over the planet. Don't add any more! If you must forward something, try this: The Federal Communications Commission's list of the Top 10 Spam Scams.
 
 

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