Irina Virus Hoax
The "Irina" virus warnings are a hoax. The former head of an electronic publishing company circulated the warning to create publicity for a new interactive book by the same name. The publishing company has apologized for the publicity stunt that backfired and panicked Internet users worldwide. The original warning claimed to be from a Professor Edward Pridedaux of the College of Slavic Studies in London; there is no such person or college. However, London's School of Slavonic and East European Studies was inundated with calls. This poorly thought-out publicity stunt was highly irresponsible.
For more information pertaining to this and other hoaxex, reference the CIAC Hoaxbusters page.
Current Record: 30
Create Date: 02-11-1999
Last Reviewed: 11-04-2003
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