How to Recognize a Virus Hoax

There are a tremendous number of viruses out there on the Internet today, and many of them are sent by email. How do you know if an email warning of a virus is legitimate or a hoax? There are many clues that can help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Personal computer
• Internet access

1. If you get an email warning you to watch out for a particular virus, you need to think before sending that email to others, because it could be a hoax, and you might actually be sending a virus to someone else. Start by opening a new browser and manually typing in the website address of the company that sent the warning to see if it has information about the virus. Do not click on any link in the email to go to the site.
2. Read the wording carefully in any email warning you about a virus. Does the email claim the virus it is warning about would destroy parts of your computer, or does it ask you to forward the email to everyone on your email list? If so, it is probably a hoax.
3. Most of the Internet anti-virus companies will have a list of different viruses. Look to see if the virus you were warned about is listed. Go to the site by opening a different window and typing in the website address.
4. Update your anti-virus software. It is often cheap, maybe even free.

Tips & Warnings

• Never click on a link in an e-mail that warns about a virus.
• Manually type the address in a separate browser on companies that give information about viruses--rather than clicking on a link.
• Never forward an email about a virus that says to forward it to everyone possible.
• Be careful about trusting a friend who sends emails everyday to everyone about viruses.