"My name is Bill Gates. Here at Microsoft, we have just compiled an email tracing program that tracks everyone to whom this message is forwarded to."

"Under proposed legislation (Bill 602P) the U.S. Postal Service will be attempting to bilk email users out of 'alternative postage fees.' Bill 602P will permit the federal government to charge five cents surcharge on every email delivered."

"Beware of a file called Good Times. There is a virus on America Online being sent by E-Mail."

These are all legendary Internet hoaxes, usually taking the form of a chain email message. They work because they usually play on the recipients' desire to help spread the word, to do good by letting friends and family know about a potential threat or possible reward. The "email tracing program" letter, for example, promises $1,000 will be sent to everyone who gets a copy of the message.

But like most Internet hoaxes, there's no truth to the message whatsoever. It wasn't sent by Bill Gates. No one is going to give you any money. There is no such thing as an "email tracing program."

Hoaxes, email chain letters and multi-level marketing schemes all tie up our time and valuable computing resources. Oftentimes, common sense will help keep a person from forwarding such emails along. Odds are, if you receive an email that sounds a little suspicious-"NPR is facing major cutbacks in funding.Sign this petition"-or too good to be true-"Nokia is giving free mobile phones"-it probably is.

Several key Web sites can help Internet users discern between legitimate emails and Internet hoaxes:

• HoaxBusters http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/, from the Computer Incident Advisory Capability arm of the Department of Energy, describing many 'net hoaxes in detail, and with a history of hoaxes on the Internet.

• Urban Legends at About.com http://urbanlegends.about.com, David Emory's comprehensive list of hoaxes, myths and rumors.

• Vmyths.com http://www.vmyths.com/, specifically looking at the proliferation of virus hoaxes on the Web.

And always remember the hoax buster rule of thumb: "When in doubt, don't send it out!"