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Meinverzeichnis / meinVZ

Security in the VZ-Networks

How to deal with chain letters

Now and then chain letters are circulated that can unsettle users – we want to prevent this. Here you can find information about how to recognise pointless chain letters, and the best way to deal with them.

  • Chain letters are not an appropriate way of communicating serious messages.
  • As a rule, you should delete all chain letters.

Information about chain letters

How do I recognise a chain letter?
  • There are some tell-tale signs that allow you to recognise a chain letter:
  • Chain letters ask the recipient to forward the message on to as many people as possible within a limited period of time.
  • The topic of a chain letter, and its possible consequences, are often portrayed as dramatic and are exagerrated.
  • Any references in the message to time are normally very vague, e.g. ‘yesterday’ or ‘last week’.
  • You can normally tell from the subject of a message if it is a chain letter. E.g. “Virus warning”, “Saffi” or “meinVZ will no longer be free to use”
What are the different types of chain letter?

Competitions: These are normally chain letters that promise you money or prizes if you forward the message on to as many people as possible. [ example ] Example Screenshot Competitions

Fortune letters: These emails promise that something positive will happen when the message is forwarded on to as many people as possible within a certain time. Though they may appear harmless, such emails may cause distress to superstitious users who are worried about the consequences (such as 7 years bad luck). [ example ] Example Screenshot >Fortune letters:

Emotional pleas: The stories that are depicted in these chain letters are fictitious, and are disrespectful towards those individuals who do suffer from serious illnesses. [ example ] Example Screenshot Emotional pleas

Pointless e-petitions: This category includes those chain-letter movements that ask you to support or condemn something. [ example ] Example Screenshot Pointless e-petitions

Urban Legends: This is by far the most popular category of internet hoaxes. The internet makes it easy to share information with a large number of people, and therefore ideally suited for the rapid spreading of made-up stories. [ example ] Example Screenshot Urban Legends

What should I do if I receive a chain letter?
  • If you receive a chain letter don’t waste any more time on it than necessary.
  • Do not forward the message on - this will only harass other users.
  • The best thing to do is inform the sender that the content of chain letters is normally rubbish.
  • If the subject of the chain letter is a virus warning, do not under any circumstances delete files from your computer only on the basis of this message.
Where can I find more informaton about chain letters?