Facebook chain mail

The infamous Facebook chain mail!

For those who may not know, a chain mail is a type of online hoax or prank that involves sending a message to a large number of people, usually through social media, with the intention of spreading misinformation or causing panic. The message is often copied and pasted from one person to another, creating a "chain" of recipients.

Here's an example of a typical Facebook chain mail:

Message: "URGENT! Don't delete this message! If you don't send this to 10 people in the next 10 minutes, you will die in the next 24 hours! Don't believe me? Just ask your friends who didn't send it!"

Variations: There are many variations of this message, but they usually involve some kind of dire consequence (e.g., death, illness, or financial ruin) if the recipient doesn't comply with the request.

Why it's a hoax: Chain mails are often based on false or exaggerated information, and they're designed to create fear or anxiety in the recipient. They're also a waste of time, as they're usually not based on fact and can cause unnecessary stress.

How to spot a chain mail: Here are some red flags to help you identify a chain mail:

  1. Urgency: If a message creates a sense of urgency or panic, it's likely a chain mail.
  2. Vagueness: If the message is vague or lacks specific details, it's probably a hoax.
  3. Fear-mongering: If the message tries to scare you into doing something, it's likely a chain mail.
  4. Lack of credibility: If the message comes from an unknown or untrustworthy source, it's probably a hoax.

What to do: If you receive a chain mail, here's what you should do:

  1. Don't send it: Don't forward the message to anyone else.
  2. Don't believe it: Don't believe the message or take it seriously.
  3. Report it: If you're on Facebook, you can report the message as spam or abuse.
  4. Spread the truth: Share this information with your friends and family to help them avoid falling prey to chain mails.

Remember, it's always important to verify information before sharing it online, and to be cautious of messages that try to create fear or anxiety.