Shomari mentioned in her message that Charlotte television station WBTV had run a story, a fact easily confirmable. Links to these sources are conveniently provided. Of course, immediate verification of such messages may not be possible, as web sites take time to update. And while it's still possible to pick up the phone and call authorities where the event is rumored to have happened, that isn't as convenient for you or the authorities. Missing child e-mail hoaxes are among the most common, but it's better to send a needless warning than to trash a message that might save a child's life.
Time is critical when children are abducted.
Conversely, if you need to circulate your own warning, be sure to provide a means of verification, as Asha Degree's cousin did. Refer to a newspaper story or list a phone number. By all means, provide contact information. A few minutes spent checking out a warning can keep you from sending a hoax to a lot of friends. Finally, don't feel overly gullible if you do get bitten by a hoax spider.