Definitions for "Hoaxes"
Are often warnings that contain incorrect information about malware or system events. These warnings often describe fantastical or impossible malware program characteristics that often fool the user into performing unwanted actions on their system or suggests that users should forward the warning to other users. A hoax can be considered a nuisance by the mere fact that by forwarding it causes a waste of time and bandwidth.
Virus hoaxes developed right alongside of real viruses, causing confusion about which are authentic warnings and which should be ignored. The goal of every hoaxer is the same as that of the virus creator, to have the hoax spread as wide and as far as possible. This can result in mail servers being shut down if the hoax is believed, or legitimate virus warnings being doubted if it is disbelieved. These hoaxes may be harmless to your system, but they do result in less vigilance and/or increased paranoia, both of which can have serious consequences.