Module 7

Computer Hoax Categories

Malicious Code (Virus and Trojan ) Warnings

Warnings about Trojans, viruses, and other malicious code that has no basis in fact. The Good Times and other similar warnings are here.

Urban Myths
Warnings and stories about bad things happening to people and animals that never really happened. These are the poodle in the microwave and needles in movie theater seats variety. Give Aways Stories about give aways by large companies. If you only send this on, some big company will send you a lot of money, clothes, a free vacation, etc., etc. Expect to wait a long time for any of these to pay off.

Inconsequential Warnings
Out of date warnings and warnings about real things that are not really much of a problem.

Sympathy Letters and Requests to Help Someone
Requests for help or sympathy for someone who has had a problem or accident.

Traditional Chain Letters
Traditional chain letters that threaten bad luck if you do not send them on or that request youto send money to the top n people on the list before sending it on.

Threat Chains
Mail that threatens to hurt you, your computer, or someone else if you do not pass on the message.

Scam Chains
Mail messages that appear to be from a legitimate company but that are scams and cons.

Scare Chains
Mail messages that warn you about terrible things that happen to people (especially women).

True Legends

Real stories and messages that are not hoaxes but are still making the rounds of the Internet. Hacked History