April 14, 1999

How to spot an e-mail hoax
___Charles Hymes, an authority on Internet hoaxes, offers these tips on his website www.nonprofit.net/hoax/:
___ If you get a message that asks you to send it to lots of other people, or perhaps everyone in your address book, don't send it unless you know personally that the message is true.
___ If you really want to forward a message, check with the originator. "This is the best way to tell a hoax or prank. Just reply to the first sender, and ask them if it is true. If they can't tell you, don't send it.
___ Be aware of old hoaxes that keep going around. Common examples are the Neiman-Marcus cookie recipe story, the plea for the child who wants to receive postcards before he dies, the kidney theft story and warnings of computer viruses.
___For a definitive source on e-mail hoaxes, visit the urban legends site at www.miningco.com.

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