21st Challenge No. 24: Results

Confused moms, hot jobs and other e-mail virus come-ons.

By Charlie Varon and Jim Rosenau

Jul 31, 1999 | How does the author of a computer virus get the unsuspecting victim to open the attachment? We invited readers to create irresistible virus wrappers. Here, we've collected some of the more devious and effective submissions. Our goal is not to aid and abet, but rather to entertain -- and perhaps inoculate. Read at your own risk!

THE WINNER

From: Mom
To: [Your name]
Subject: don't bother if you're busy, but ...
Attached file name: recipe.exe
I think I messed this file up -- I just don't understand this computer stuff. Can you help?
-- XOXO, Mom (PS, call soon, OK?)
(Cyd Harrell)

HONORABLE MENTIONS

From: irs.ustreas.gov
To: email recipient
Subject: overpayment on tax returns, years 1992 to 1997
Message: Per the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the IRS must inform any taxpayer of a deduction for which he is qualified.
Attached File Name: refund_amount.exe
(Craig Howard)

From: [Sender]
To: [Recipient]
Subject: Hey, just had a chat with a headhunter.
Message: I immediately thought of you. Details attached. Please be discreet.
Filename: prospectus.doc
(Omri Schwarz)

From: Ed McMahon
To: LuckyWinner@aol.com
Subject: You may already have won $10 million!
Attached file name: register.exe
Dear Lucky Winner,
You've been selected to participate in our first-ever E-mail Sweepstakes! Double-click on the enclosed electronic registration form -- everyone wins at least $500!
-- Ed McMahon
American Family Publishers
(Michael Sims)

From: mikewallace@60minutes.com
To: [person's name]
Subject: Clinton's plan
Attached file name: plan.doc
60 Minutes is looking into attitudes toward President Clinton's proposal to provide Microsoft Windows computers to convicted homosexual pederasts who adopt a pregnant juvenile black drug dealer. Whether you agree or not, please examine the proposal details (in the enclosed document) and e-mail, write or call us via the contact information given. We plan to air the segment in two weeks.
(Lucas Gonze)

From: wbuffet@berkshirehathaway.org
To: Charlie Varon
Subject: Small cap, inexpensive IPOs on my purchase list
Attached file name: Millinaminute.exe
Dear Charlie:
This automatic message is being sent to all Berkshire-Hathaway charter member list members. If this has reached you in error, please delete.
Warren
(Aaron Adams)

Hey,
Thought you ought to know: I've been doing your wife. Enclosed please find a copy of the results of my HIV test.
(Floyd Elliot)

Next Page: Trojan horses, Pandora's boxes, payroll spreadsheets and more

• View blog reactions