E-mail about the Murder of Three Women in Wal-Mart Parking is Fake

Authorities at several places in the US, especially in Miami and South Florida, have cautioned people about the fake mail circulating in these areas. The e-mail says that three women were killed on March 18, 2009 in the parking of Wal-Mart store.

Further, these mails were sent from the Galveston County (US) Fair and Rodeo coordinator, and the North County Chamber of Commerce. But the President of Galveston County Fair and Radeo, Paul Tibaldo, reveals that Fair Coordinator Melondy Bender created the e-mail and she forwarded it after receiving from someone else, as reported by TheDailyNews on March 20, 2009.

The Sheriff's office also adds that the details in the mail were not confirmed by the Police, implying that it was a spam. Officials at the Sheriff also added that they had never released a warning to anyone. But they are blaming to the Fair Coordinator and add that the mail should be checked before sending to others.

Moreover, the Police Department of Honolulu and authorities in Miami also informed that it has received several calls about a rumor circulating among the residents about the issue.

Therefore, the authorities have warned users to avoid e-mails and fake messages which tell to forward them to others. They also said that inauthentic sources, unknown senders, stories that appear nonsensical but come within the realm of possibility should be avoided. Also, users are asked to be alert and be careful of the surrounding and not take unnecessary risks by responding these mails.

As per Snopes.com (site that debunks and validates rumor), the subject has been circulating by e-mail for almost 3 years (since 2005). Similar to other fake mail stories, it carries just enough details to appear plausible.

In addition, another fake mail was being sent to Wal-Mart customers lately informing that Wal-mart was conducting a survey to receive people's feedback on the services provided by the company. Further, the mail tells that the participants will get $150 as reward, but the e-mail was after the user's account details.

Related article: E-Crime Reporting Format To Be Launched in July

» SPAMfighter News - 3/30/2009