An email disguising itself as a virus alert is doing the rounds again, warning mobile phone users of a nasty virus that will erase all information on their SIM card.
Hark...it's a hoax, so don't be fooled.
According to a Motorola spokesperson, emails warning users of a virus outbreak on mobile phones are a scam.
One particular email warns people not to answer a call if the word "unavailable" comes up on screen. "Don't answer the call, end the call immediately! This is a virus," it warns.
Originating in the United States, a Trend Micro spokesperson describes the email as "troublesome", as it causes people to hang up on incoming calls.
Hoax emails use the names of large corporations to add credibility. In one example, it says Nokia and Motorola have confirmed the information as correct.
The emails also try to use 'sneaky' marketing ploys by mentioning a Web site which is hosting more information about the virus.
Then it will ask the reader to forward the warning to everyone in the user's address book, which is how the scam spreads.
"It's similar to a virus as it tries to trick you into doing something, and tries to spread itself,
"It's more annoying than dangerous," Motorola says.
The email has been around for a few years, rearing its head again this morning.
