“I heard from a friend of a friend that…” How many times have you received an email with this sort of opening? Usually what follows is some sort of urban legend, offers of free money, or dire warnings about the health of your children. But, not everyone might spot an e-hoax as easily as the next person.
That’s why debunking sites, such as Snopes.com and Hoax-Slayer.com, are so important. If I hear a crazy Internet rumor, one of these sites is my first stop to verify what I’ve been told.
For example, “Man Hit by Lightening, Then Mauled by Bear” is true. However, the alert that several women have died from sniffing perfume samples sent to them in the mail is false. Way false.
So, check with reputable sources before you believe what you read. Even people you know and trust can be misinformed.
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