Hoaxes or False Viruses

Frequently, false virus warnings, known as hoaxes or jokes, circulate on the Internet. They are sent by e-mail with the aim of spreading false rumors and causing alarm among users.

To confirm if you have received a false warning, search our directory of most common hoaxes or enter key words such as the subject of the message in our search engine. (subject, name of file etc...).

What to do with a hoax?

If you receive this type of message, we recommend that you delete it immediately and ignore its contents.

The principal characteristics which distinguish false virus warnings are:

• They are sent by e-mail in order to spread false rumors across the Internet.
• The subject headings may include the name of a particular media agency, so that they appear more credible.
• The message will be designed to cause alarm and require the user to take immediate action to avoid infection. Normally, the consequences of following these warnings have negative effects on your computer.
• The messages are usually not dated, so that they always appear as new even if they have been circulating the Internet for a period of time.
• Sometimes, they will try and fool the user by using technical terms.