Email saying AOL will send me a cheque if I forward it. What do I do? How would they know where to send it huh

Question

The email which came to my office email address ( I am a voluntary worker) was forwarded by somebody I know and contains hundreds of other email addresses. Presumably somebody is 'tracking' these, (probably not AOL/Intel). I would like to think there could be some positive outcome for all of these people but frankly, I don't have time (or inclination) to get to know them all! Will deleting the message be enough to get me off the hit list? Or perhaps I'm being too cynical and cheques will arrive. As it is at work I don't feel I can take the risk, I need the goodwill of people in my address book.

Answer 1

If you aren't sure it's a scam (which I can assure you it is)

Look at these links:

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blmsaol.htm
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/nothing/microsoft-aol.asp

Answer 2

It's a scam, dear lady ... either someone is using it to harvest all the email addresses from it being sent around, or it's a simple chain letter ... you know the sort ... if you don't send it to 6 friends within the next 20 seconds you'll have 7 years bad luck. Just delete it.

Answer 3

It's a scam. People like AOL and other large businesses/organisations won't just GIVE money out like that.

it's the same as if you get an e-mail saying that you have a FREE widescreen LCD Tv. If you haven't entered anything then you can't have won it.

Answer 4

It's a hoax, just imagine how much money they'd lose if they paid up for every email that's been forwarded.

Answer 5

Hoax/scam/chain-mail/whatever!!
Do your pals a favour and don't pass it on, delete it!!

Answer 6

its a scam by the sound of things

Answer 7

Hoax!!!
Don't fall it bud!!