Hard Drive Killer

Hi All

I received an email today on my yahoo account telling me that someone is transmitting a hard drive killer around the web. I received an email from a friend who advised me and gave me what information he has. Here is his email (my hard drive is still working so i hope this email is safe) I am of course protected by avast.

From illinoiskid01 (he is the friend)

someone by the name of Mark Genesis Gallardo (rugbylegend) wants to add you to their list, don’t accept it. It’s a virus. Tell everyone on your list because if somebody on your list adds them you will get it, too. It is a hard drive killer and a very horrible virus. Please pass this on to everyone on your list. We need to find out who is using this account. Sorry for the inconvenience. Right click on your group name of your buddy list and click Send Message to all. Copy and paste

I did not know who to tell about it or where else to send it. If you do not know about this virus or person then i thought you would be the best people to tell.

I hope you can do something about this guy rugbylegend because he will destroy whole lives.

Thanks for any help you can give.

It seems to be a hoax. http://www.sophos.com/security/hoaxes/mark-genesis-gallardo.html
http://duncanrust.wordpress.com/2008/01/21/second-life-hoax/
These sorts of “urban legends” are fairly common. Anytime you get one, it’s best to NOT act on it, except to do a bit of basic research (All I did was “Google” the name of the player), delete the mail, and let your friend know it’s a hoax, while at the same time seeking confirmation that he actually did send it to you.

Anyway, eriond, there are really virus that could compromise documents and data of your computer that come by email. Better safe than sorry: safe surfing, protection with avast and a firewall (at least).

Please pass this on to everyone on your list. We need to find out who is using this account. Sorry for the inconvenience. Right click on your group name of your buddy list and click Send Message to all.

If you see anything like this (quote) it is likely to be a hoax and do more damage by swamping email servers (than the reputed potential of the hoax alert) if everyone took the advice to send to everyone.

Your first step would be as suggested by Tarq57 visit your friend google, etc. http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=hoax+alerts.