HOW TO SPOT AN EMAIL HOAX
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There's no 100% sure way to tell if a forwarded email is a hoax, but here are some common signs.
Note whether the text was actually written by the person who sent it to you. If not, be skeptical.
Look for the telltale phrase, 'Forward this to everyone you know.'
Look for statements like 'This is not a hoax' or 'This is not an urban legend.' They usually mean the opposite of what they say.
Look for, 'This is true.' (Why would we think otherwise-because it is not?)
Look for overly emphatic language, the frequent use of UPPERCASE LETTERS and multiple exclamation points!!!!!!!
If the message seems geared more to persuade than to inform, be suspicious. Hoaxers are out to push emotional buttons.
If the message purports to give you extremely important information that you've never heard of before or seen elsewhere in legitimate venues, be suspicious.
Read carefully and think critically about what the message says, looking for logical inconsistencies, violations of common sense and obviously false claims.
Look for subtle or not-so-subtle jokes, indications that the author is pulling your leg.
Check for references to outside sources. Hoaxes will not typically name any, nor link to Websites with corroborating information.
Check to see if the message has been debunked by websites that cover Internet hoaxes.
TIPS
Virtually any chain email you receive (i.e., any message forwarded multiple times) is more likely to be false than true. Be skeptical.
Hoaxers usually try every means available to make their lies believable -- e.g., mimicking a journalistic style, attributing the text to a 'legitimate' source, etc.
Be especially wary of health-related rumors. Most importantly, never act on this type of rumor without first verifying its accuracy with your doctor or other reliable source.
If a message is so essential that you must, "Forward this to everyone you know," invest in a long distance call to any phone numbers contained in the message. You will probably find these disconnected or answered by a recording stating the individual has no involvement in the hoax.
WHEN IN DOUBT DON'T SEND IT OUT
God created husbands and wives to help one another. Since the people we work with are usually making decisions alone, they have no one for a second opinion before sending on false email of this type. We have presented this page to help you, with God's help, separate the true from the false. We love you and want the best for you, and that does not include wasting your time and energy being victimized and frightened by a hoax. (Now maybe this is a page to, "Forward to everyone you know!")
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