Forward an email for IBM and win a new computer-Fiction!

Forward an Email for IBM and Get a Free Computer-Fiction!

Summary of the eRumor: You are told that Hewlett-Packard and Gateway have merged to become the biggest computer supplier. In order to compete, IBM is giving away 250,000 computers to preserve or create loyal customers. The email includes special encoding that will track where it is forwarded and anybody else who forwards it. You are encouraged to send it to 15 friends and you'll be contacted by IBM and asked for mailing information. In order for it to work, however, each of your friends has to forward it to at least five others.

The Truth: This is a hoax. There is no such IBM promotion and no such encoding in emails to track them for the purpose of rewarding those who forward them.

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:
Subject: Fw: FREE COMPUTERS FREE COMPUTERS Hewlett-Packard and Gateway have just merged to form the biggest computer supplier in the world! Bigger than Dell, bigger than IBM, bigger than them all! In response to this amazing merger, IBM has set aside 250,000 free computers to reward and keep it's most loyal and trusted customers! I've already got mine, read on to see how you can get yours!!! This email has a special encoding which will let IBM know every time you send it to one of your friends or relatives. The first 250,000 people who send this to at least 15 of their friends will receive a brand new IBM computer! After you send this to your friends, and qualify, IBM will contact you via email, and get your shipping address. Send them your address, and in a couple of days, a brand new computer, complete with printer, and 19" monitor is sitting on your doorstep! You must hurry, because this offer ends July 31 of this year! Here's the catch, though. Each of your friends must send this to at least 5 people or you won't be eligible, so choose your friends wisely! Remember, a true friend will send this along for you! That's all it takes, no Strings attached! No purchase necessary!!! You don't even have to have previously purchased a computer from IBM! They want to earn or keep your future business, and they're willing to pay for it!!! Take Care, and let's get some new computers!!! Thanks! Alvin Vaughn