Hoax Emails

What is a Hoax Email?

A Hoax email is a message that claims an inaccurate situation or impossible offer. They are designed to cause confusion, concern, loss of productivity, and motivate users to take an action otherwise considered undesirable. Examples include tragic news events, offers providing deeply discounted or free materials, or false reports of a computer virus.

Where does it come from?
The motivations for Hoax Emails range from a desire to achieve panic, cause denial of service on web sites, or persuade the user make changes to a system that might allow them to be compormised later by an attacker.

What is the Risk?
Email server crashes caused by rampant forwarding of messages, alterations to security settings, demands that trigger downloads of malware, confusion, loss of manpower, and harm to the reputation of the forwarder.

Protective Measures:

Most Hoax emails have tell tail signs.  In this video, you will learn several methods for identifying Hoax Emails. 

Safety Tips:

1.  If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a hoax!  Look for lines like “… their friend did it and it really worked…”.

2.  Verify offers and alerts using a Hoax validation site like:  sophos.com or snopes.com
 
3.  Never forward a Hoax email to co-workers or friends, even as a joke.  If you receive a Hoax email at work, contact the helpdesk or refer to your employee manual for handling procedures.