"Old Timers" on the Net - those who have been around a year or
so, have probably seen most of the Hoaxes, Scams and Rumors being
circulated. However, with the number of people getting Internet
Access increasing at almost an exponential rate, many have not.
The Internet is fertile ground for hoaxes, scams, and rumors.

You might get an E-mail warning about a new Virus, and are asked
to pass the information along to everyone you know. Last week
warnings were buzzing about the Net about the "A.I.D.S. Computer
Virus". This one warned that it will destroy your memory, sound
card and speakers, hard drive and it will infect your mouse or
pointing device, as well as your keyboard making what you type
not able to register on the screen. It self terminates only after
it eats 5MB of hard drive space & will delete all programs.

Naturally, someone new to computers who has heard dire stories
about viruses, is concerned and may pass the information along to
their friends. Before passing this along however, check it out.
Go to the Search Engine of your choice and enter the name of the
virus - such as "A.I.D.S. Computer Virus". You will quickly find
out if it is for real, or like this one, just another hoax.

There are several Scams floating about, and the Chain Letter is
the Grand Daddy of them all. This surfaces every few weeks.
These promise a great deal of income in a short time by sending
money to people on the list - you then remove the first person's
name and add your name to the last position. If you notice the
first three names usually are PO Boxes in the same town or city.
Beware of any ad you receive that says it is perfectly legal and
quotes Postal Regulations. While the letter sounds very convincing,
and is masked in a legitimate sounding plan, you can be pretty sure
this is illegal. People who participate in this can be prosecuted.

The story that Microsoft is giving away stuff for free, is one of
the most widely spread rumors on the Net. This rumor might
promise that if you test their new E-mail tracing product by
sending the notice to 1,000 people, you and everyone on the list
will receive $1,000 - Let's face it - Bill Gates does not need us
to test his software, and certainly wouldn't pay out what could
amount to billions of dollars to do so. And the story about the
little boy dying of cancer, asking that you to send your business
card to him in care of the Make-A-Wish foundation just isn't true.
Make-a-Wish never asked for cards.

The Net abounds with Hoaxes, Scams and Rumors. A little common
sense will go a long way.

-----

Bob publishes the free weekly "Your Business" Newsletter
Visit his Web Site at http://adv-marketing.com/business to
subscribe and place a Free Ad for your business.