Internet hoaxes have been circulating since 1988. Many take the form of virus warnings or free giveaways. Some are in the form of requests on behalf of a dying child. If it reaches 2,000,000 people by New Year's Eve 1999, everyone on the list will receive a free six-pack of beer. Miller Brewing Company has issued a statement emphasizing that they are victims of a hoax and will not send free beer to anyone.
Hoaxes can be very cleverly disguised.
Often, a hoax will state that you should pass the message on to everyone you know. If you receive e-mail with some or all of these characteristics, be wary. Computer viruses are serious and should not be ignored, but virus hoaxes usually cause unnecessary distress. If you receive a warning from your own computing support or security team, take it very seriously. However, if a friend forwards a warning to you, or if you find it posted somewhere on the Internet, take some time to check it out before passing it on so you don't fall victim to a hoax.