A virus hoax is an e-mail that is intended to scare people about a nonexistent virus threat. Users often forward these alerts thinking they are doing a service to their fellow workers, but this causes lost productivity, panic and lost time. This increased traffic can soon become a massive problem in e-mail systems and cause unnecessary fear and panic. Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source. Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know.
Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email.
Better to be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it. Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If the need to do so is there always save the file to your hard drive before doing so. Delete chain emails and junk mail. Do not forward or reply to any of them These types of email are considered unsolicited and intrusive which clogs up the network.