Malicious people start and spread HOAXES in such a way to have them passed on by innocent users who believe they are helping thier friends by spreading the warning.
Many Hoaxes exist on the net today, and more will come....
Please Do Not forward HOAX messages. Not only are they annoying, in many cases can be very harmful to you, the end user.
Next time you hear of a virus or other issue being spread on the net, check it out before doing anything. Do not erase files or take actions suggested in these hoax messages without checking first.
The following sites keep a rather detailed list of known hoaxes and viruses, please check them out. I suggest starting with your virus protection softwares site first, then each of the following.
CIAC official US Government hoax site
DataFellows
Virus protection software sites:
McAfee
Norton