BREAK
THE CHAIN!
Chain emails
– they used to circulate by postal mail, but these
days, they’re also showing up via email and Internet
chat rooms.
You probably
recognize one when you see it: It’s got a list of
names and addresses with instructions to send something
– say, a small sum of money – to one or more names
on the list. You’re supposed to remove one or more
names from the list, add your name to the bottom, and
email the letter to a specific number of other people
with directions on how they should "continue the
chain."
But here’s
the scoop on chain mail: If it promises any kind of
return – like money – it’s fraudulent and illegal!
If you start or forward one, you could face legal
action.
This website
has information about the Federal Trade Commission’s
recent law enforcement actions against chain emailers
and advice on how to handle chain email. In the
"Consumer Info" section (and below), you’ll
find a flyer that you can download, print and post
wherever computers are used.
You can help eliminate
chain emails. Just break the chain.
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