Thanks, Barb, for hosting Heads or Tails, a meme where she gives us a topic and we create a post with our own, unique interpretation of the topic.
This week's topic is RUMOR.
One thing I can't stand is forwarded emails claiming that I can get CASH from Microsoft, Nike, Gap, Coca-Cola, Outback Steakhouse, well, you get the picture. By simply forwarding this email to ten (12, 20, 50) of my friends, the company will send me CASH! Baloney, people! Use your common sense. This is the greatest of all RUMORS.
Here's the straight talk. You aren't going to receive money, prizes, trips, free meals, or anything from any of these people! They didn't create the email, and there is not such thing as an Internet tracing program. The company can't track your forwards, but there is no company behind it anyway. It's just another RUMOR or scam. And I hate to tell you, but the "Please help our sick child" emails are also RUMORS. Check it out at Snopes before you send a forward.
The first RUMOR of this type was back in 1997. Bill Gates was supposedly promising $1,000 to each person once the email reached 1,000 people. I bet he'd have liked to know he was giving free money!
Forwarded email, particularly when it is a RUMOR, is one of my biggest pet peeves. I'm impatient and have no time for this junk filling by inbox.
Now, to all of my email-forwarding-friends, please visit this link to watch a short, funny video that sums it all up better than I can.
Thanks for the reminder! OK, I always knew there was no such thing as free money, but there have been times I have forgotten to check Snopes on those sick child emails. I guess the rule of thumb is that, if you don't know the people involved personally, then check it out before you forward it.
ReplyDeleteNow to remember that...
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who said that, but there's a lot of truth in it. People should know better, but the urge to get something for free is powerful. I feel sorry for those who are taken in and even more sorry for those who are scammed because of their compassion for those in need.
My HoT: Rumor Has It
Yes, there are plenty of cons on the internet. Luckily most are easy to spot.
ReplyDeleteOh, I just can't stand those emails. Great post!
ReplyDeleteOh so true! I hate these and wish the senders would find better things to do with their time! Happy HOT.
ReplyDeleteagreed sandy
ReplyDeleteI see those and into the trash they go. I can't believe people still fall for those.
ReplyDeleteno free money?? That's been hitting my box lately again. They come in waves and are annoying. Great post to remind all.
ReplyDeletetagged you in a post.
ReplyDeleteI hate those emails too, it just makes me so uncomfortable when a loved one sends me one thinking they are helping (in the case of sick kids.)
ReplyDelete