IT Baseline Protection Manual - The Information Warfare Site

Threats Catalogue Deliberate Acts Remarks
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T 5.80 Hoaxes
A hoax is a message which contains a warning of new spectacular computer
viruses or other IT problems, resulting in widespread panic, but which has no
factual basis. Usually such messages are sent by e-mail. For example, it may
warn of a computer virus which damages hardware or causes infection or
damage simply through opening of an e-mail (not even an attachment) and is
not detected by any anti-virus software. Alongside this warning the recipient is
requested to pass on the message to friends and acquaintances. Such a hoax is
even more effective if a false address, such as that of a well-known
manufacturer, is given for the sender.
Such hoaxes should not be confused with computer viruses, which really can
tamper with IT systems. It is simply a misleading message that can be deleted
without causing any damage, which is what you should do. The only damage
caused by a hoax is the recipient's uncertainty and irritation, and possibly the
time and money spent on forwarding the hoax.
A whole range of such hoax messages have afflicted mobile phone users,
whereby users have been warned that inputting certain key combinations or
dialling certain call numbers on mobile phones could result in conversations
being tapped or calls being charged to other persons. Because such messages
contain references to particular mobile phone brands and a few technical
terms, they give the impression of being serious messages. Such rumours have
a way of persisting users find them disconcerting.
Example:
In the spring of 2000 the following false alarms were going the rounds by email
(and in some cases even by letter):
"If you receive a message on your mobile phone telling you to call back
number 0141-455xxx, under no circumstances should you do so. Otherwise
your phone charges will shoot up enormously."
This information was published by the "Central Office for the Suppression
of Fraudulent Practices" (Office Central de Repression du Banditisme). ..."
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IT-Baseline Protection Manual: Oktober 2000
False alarms
A hoax is not a virus!