Forward this letter out to as many people as you can. This is a new, very malicious virus and not many people know about it. This information was announced yesterday morning from Microsoft, please share it with everyone that might access the Internet. Immediately delete any mail items that say this. AOL has said that this is a very dangerous virus and that there is NO remedy for it at this time.
Most people do.
The truth is that they are hoaxes. You'll also notice that they encourage you to spread the word. This is the reason for their existence and this is how they replicate. The author of the letter takes advantage of people's good nature and the quick dissemination ability of the Internet. With a little bit of knowledge.