What is Virus hoaxes ? - Security Term

Virus hoaxes are false reports and warnings about non-existent viruses, often claiming to do impossible things. Typically, the warning arrives in an e-mail note or is distributed through a note in a company's internal network. These notes are usually forwarded using distribution lists and they will typically suggest that the recipient forward the note to other distribution lists. Unfortunately, some recipients occasionally believe such a hoax to be a true virus warning and may take drastic action such as shutting down their network.