It’s a fact of life that a great many hoaxes on the internet go viral and are, therefore, emailed around the globe many times over by both those who believe them and those who would help to propagate them.
If your inbox is being inundated with warnings that are worrying you, check them out to make sure they aren’t hoaxes.
1. Search online.
If you ask the person who sent you the email, or told you about the hoax, then they are sure to say it’s true. Check out other sources, such as this site you’re reading now.
2. Visit snopes.com.
Whilst I write about a few hoaxes here from time to time, Snopes has been around for.. ever!
Snopes.com is the most well-known hoax busting site on the internet and they deal with a huge range of hoaxes and urban legends.
If you’re not sure if something is true or not, Snopes usually has the answer.
3. Check out scambusters.org.
Like Snopes, scambusters has been around for many years.
Their site has information not only about scams but also hoaxes and urban legends too.
If you have received a fishy email asking for money then scambusters is a great resource to check out.
4. Stay away from forums.
Many people receive hoaxes from their friends.
Therefore, asking around forums is likely to be a waste of time as these other members who have received the same hoax will likely back what their friends say, come what may.
5. Trust your gut instincts.
If in doubt, don’t believe it.
If an email sounds a bit dubious then trust your instincts because it probably is.
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That’s great advice. Thanks.
You’re welcome.