Origin of the Bill Gates Email Hoax

image Displaying some very impressive sleuthing skills, Jonathon Keats has apparently solved the mystery of the origin of the ubiquitous Bill-Gates-will-pay-you-to-forward-this-email hoax. He writes about it in an article in Wired. He traced the origin of the hoax back to November 18, 1997 when Iowa State student Bryan Mack was sitting in a campus computer lab and created the first version of the email as a joke that he sent to a friend sitting beside him. It read:

"My name is Bill Gates. I have just written up an email-tracing program that traces everyone to whom this message is forwarded to. I am experimenting with this and I need your help. Forward this to everyone you know, and if it reaches 1,000 people, everyone on the list will receive $1,000 at my expense. Enjoy. Your friend, Bill Gates."


Mack's friend sent it to another friend, who sent it to yet another friend, etc., etc., And the rest was history. Soon it had blossomed into a thousand different forms that found their way into the inbox of just about everyone who's ever used email. Keats notes that Mack had also inadvertently written one of the 'greatest social critiques of our age.' "He'd shown that when it comes to technology, people believe that anything can happen - that invasion of privacy is inevitable - and that even those who don't like it are willing to benefit from it." Oh, and Keats also quoted me in the article, which was a nice, ego-flattering surprise to stumble upon.

Email Hoaxes

Posted on Wed Jun 30, 2004



Comments

I saw this article on Monday and really enjoyed it. I saw your name, too, Alex! Good job!
Posted by PlantPerson  on  Wed Jun 30, 2004  at  02:55 PM
this story change at frist it bill gates real
computer dericetory or phone book for computers
buff or as he stated frist e mail system
bill gates
he got caught in fraud hoax gated was arrested
why tax show who correct who commited fraud

use basice not a noter hoax as a freind would to cover up this stunt or hen bill gate jsut solde
computer added it to his sell pitch and caught cauth
Posted by kelvin johnson  on  Thu Jul 08, 2004  at  03:36 PM
Thanks, Kelvin. My thoughts exactly.
Posted by The Curator  in  San Diego  on  Thu Jul 08, 2004  at  04:59 PM
Dittomatic,
Yes,Is me the son of late chief anthony kalu who owns star pappermille industries,The man that make his money when others are still sleeping.I mean my father was premalent man when he was alife.But my father died mistirous death because of polities.Now listen very careful I descover that our village head his brought to my konwlage that my father give our local government chairman N50,000,000,000 billion to keep at depposited money at first bank of Nigeria plc.Now I the first son actually want to claim this money as soon as possible.Effectively Immediately you received this mail try to stand as my Godfather to enable me recovered this money.Regarding on this information do not hesitated mail or call me.foriegn code is (011234-8036755562):so I need you coperation to cash up this money by helping me sum of $50,000. For the processing all necessary clairance of any block head which feel to disturb me.I wouldn't mind to share this money two part one for you and one for me.
Thanks
John
Posted by John kalu  on  Thu May 12, 2005  at  11:30 AM
I just received another e-mail regarding Microsoft and AOL willing to send money for passing on the message, Microsoft is supposed to be willing to pay $245.00 for passing on the message. The following was copied from the e-mail I received.

COPIED

For every person that you forward this e-mail to, Microsoft will
pay

you $245.00 For every person that you sent it to that forwards it
on,

Microsoft will pay you $243.00 and for every third person that
receives

it, You will be paid $241.00. Within two weeks, Microsoft will
contact

you for your address and then send you a check.



I know that this type of e-mail has gone around and was a hoax and I believe this one is also a hoax. Could you pleas verify if I am correct in my assumption.
Posted by Jo-Anne Roberts  on  Fri Feb 03, 2006  at  08:38 PM
Of course the $245 is also a HOAX. What kind of a stupid moron would:

a) believe anyone on earth would pay $245 PER EMAIL ADDRESS that you send to?
b) believe that someone would actually track the number of emails that you forwarded the message to
c) do this for EACH person who received the email and stupid enough to forward it on
d) have the money and manpower to actually verify that the email was sent to X number of people
e) have the money and manpower to contact each person to get a mailing address
f) have the money and manpower to produce a check for each person after doing untold math to figure out the TOTAL number of email addresses forwarded to by that person
g) have the money and manpower to mail the check out to you, the idiot who believes that you can get something for doing just about nothing.

I can easily make up email addresses, obtain an email list, get a software program to send out emails constantly day and night, etc. If you believe this thing is for real, please contact me because I have some used diapers I want to sell to you. I can also sell you some California air at an incredible price: $20 per oz., with a 95% discount for each additional oz. Anyone?
Posted by Mick  on  Wed Jan 10, 2007  at  10:13 PM
To,
Chairman, Microsoft Corp.

Dear Sir,

I am belong a poor family. I m working in construction company but before two month my job is finished. My family is running a big financial disaster. I m see the jobs many companies but not any jobs give me. My age is 32 years old. I m computer person and civil draftsman. I lesson u r a kind man. I hope u r help me. One present u r received this mail but I m waiting u r reply.

Me and my family pray to you life.



Tanveer Ahmed

Posted by Tanveer  on  Wed Feb 28, 2007  at  12:56 AM
pls i want to study marine sci or information and technology but there is no money.......
Posted by olatunji abiola  on  Tue Apr 17, 2007  at  10:24 AM
Sir Bill Gates,
You're known to be one of the most richest man in the world with a kind heart, sir, I am Ephraim Umpan of Davao City Philippines, I am belong to a poor family but I always try my best to get from this situation, in the morning I sell junk metals, plastic and many other more. for me to finish my study in College but even though I am working hard my money is short to pay my tuition fee, now I need 100 U.S dollar for me to enroll in college, sir,,If I can finish my study I promise to help my people who are in need also like me....... sir,... if you want to send me this amount my address is : 919 pioneering st., Davao City... Code: 8000 send this to western union and please indicate your name.

God blesses more to those who give! God Bless Thank you!!


Ephraim Umpan
17 years old
Sender
Posted by Ephraim Umpan  on  Tue Jun 12, 2007  at  11:36 AM
Here is another HOAX of $245 from MS and AOL

***********************************
From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) <
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)>
Date: Aug 20, 2007 10:42 PM
Subject: Fwd: Fw: Microsoft -Don't miss this chance... ||| ITS NOT FAKE
To:



*
Dear Friends, ** ** *
*
Please do not take this for a junk letter. Bill Gates is sharing his
fortune. If you ignore this you will repent later. Microsoft and AOL are now
the largest Internet companies and in an effort to make sure that Internet
Explorer remains the most widely used program, Microsoft and AOL are running
an e-mail beta test.

When you forward this e-mail to friends, Microsoft can and will track it (if
you are a Microsoft Windows user) for a two week time period.

For every person that you forward this e-mail to, Microsoft will pay you
$245.00, for every person that you sent it to that forwards it on, Microsoft
will pay you $243.00 and for every third person that receives it, you will
be paid $241.00. Within two week! s, Microsoft will contact you for your
address and then send you a cheque. *

*Thanks and Regards*

*Guys It's working *

*
I have got $10000 . *

*
Deepak *

* *

------------------------------

*

**
I got 450 $ credited in my HDFC account today only.
Yahooooooooooooooooooo!!! hurreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee *

*

Regards,
Apurv Gangwar *

*
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Vnet: 55269 ** *

*

Hai this is not joke i got 4672$ credited in my ICICI account last week **

Frnds I got $2163 today only.
So I am forwading to u frnds
Don't miss this chance *

*Regards,
Sathish kumar.
Vnet - 56639 *

*
*

* *

------------------------------

*


I got $9386. Was shocked!!!
Hey!!!!!! Am not joking................
This really works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! **
*

* *

------------------------------

*

From: Amit Midha [mailto: ** .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
*<[email protected] >
*]
Sent: 03/10/2005 6:24 PM
Subject: RE: UK Requirement **
Dear Shiva n
This is really amazing I also got 5000 dollars via DD from HDFC, thot it was
fake but it really worked..........the amount has been created to my
account, what did you get.
Thanks for forwarding this mail

Amit Midha
Front Office Manager
The Trident Hilton
Opposite Jalmahal
Jaipur - 302002 **

I got $12,101 credited with this months salary, that is why I
am sending this to you guys. I am almost going mad. Planning to quit TCS and
start a new company. You guys can join hands. What to say yarr????


Love,
Ajay Joy
Tata Consultancy Services Limited **
----- Forwarded by Ajay Joy/CHN/TCS on 09/02/2005 05: 09 PM ----- **
*

*
***********************************
Posted by Tahmid Munaz  on  Sun Sep 02, 2007  at  04:22 AM
Hallo Mr.Gates!
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

I am form Russia, I want to say You! "Thank you", becouse, if we hav'nt a computer i wil never meet my dear wife. Thank you Bill, You cool man! I need a $200000 for buy flat, becous my wife waiting a childe. Please Help Us!

I will waitnig a answer ! send me.
Posted by Mishenin Anatoliy  on  Sun Sep 02, 2007  at  10:12 AM
hey Mr Bill...do help me to settle my bills...needed it badly
Posted by khamson  on  Thu Sep 27, 2007  at  09:17 AM
A friend of mine sent me this today. I'm going to be freakn' rich.


Read carefully...



THIS TOOK TWO PAGES OF THE TUESDAY USA TODAY - IT IS FOR REAL



To all of my friends, I do not usually forward messages,

But this is from my friend Pearlas Sandborn and she really is

an attorney.


If she says that this will work - It will work. After all, what have

you got to lose?


SORRY EVERYBODY.. JUST HAD TO TAKE THE CHANCE!!! I'm an

attorney, And I know the law. This thing is for real. Rest assured

AOL and Intel will follow through with their promises for

fear of facing a multimillion-dollar class action suit similar to the one

filed by PepsiCo against General Electric not too long ago.



Dear Friends: Please do not take this for a junk letter.

Bill Gates sharing his fortune. If you ignore this, You will repent

later.



Microsoft and AOL are now the largest Internet companies

and in an effort to make sure that Internet Explorer remains the

most widely used program, Microsoft and AOL are running an e-mail

beta test.



When you forward this e-mail to friends, Microsoft can and will

track it (If you are a Microsoft Windows user) for a two week

time period.



For every person that you forward this e-mail to, Microsoft will pay

you $245.00 For every person that you sent it to that forwards it on,

Microsoft will pay you $243.00 and for every third person that receives

it, You will be paid $241.00. Within two weeks, Microsoft will contact

you for your address and then send you a check.



Regards. Charles S Bailey General Manager Field Operations

1-800-842-2332 Ext. 1085 or 904-1085 or RNX 292-1085





Thought this was a scam myself, But two weeks after receiving this

e-mail and forwarding it on. Microsoft contacted me for my address and

within days, I received a check for $24, 800.00. You need to respond

before the beta testing is over. If anyone can afford this, Bill gates is the man.



It's all marketing expense to him. Please forward this to as many

people as possible. You are bound to get at least $10, 000.00

We're not going to help them out with their e-mail beta test without

getting a little something for our time. My brother's girlfriend got in

on this a few months ago. When I went to visit him for the Baylor/UT

game, she showed me her check. It was for the sum of $4,324.44 and

was stamped 'Paid In Full'.





The hoax!!! It strikes again!!
Posted by Caboose  on  Mon Nov 19, 2007  at  12:14 PM
Dear Sir,

You are very good person.

For your info I need some money,to sattle my loan with bank. I have family but so many think I want to to do. My salary not enought to cover my personal loan.

Please help me.....I need your help.
I always still remember you.

Me and my familys will pray for you.

Thank You
Mohd Tajudin .
Posted by Mohamad Tajudin Bin Mohamat Ghazali  on  Wed Dec 19, 2007  at  08:07 PM
Dear sir,

Since you are the pioneer of microsoft. All i have to say that i really admired you what have you done to become the number one name in this era. May god bless you all the way and for the success of Te Mocrosoft.
Posted by Mohd Freezailah Tarmiji  on  Thu Jan 24, 2008  at  09:30 PM
Hello.Dear Sir Bill Gates.
This is Sajid from Pakistan.I want to state u that the area from where I blong is less previllaged.If u help me I want to open computer center from where childeren will get skills,and they will bcome independent.And also there will b less no of childeren will work for there parent.And it will bring bright future for them.They will build up there country and home also.And they will get awareness from this program.And main thing is there will b no sins which are usually done by childeren.for example begging,theft,cutting pockets,etc.
I will b very thank full to u for this programe.
Wid best wishes Sajid.
Posted by Sajid Ali  on  Tue Feb 26, 2008  at  06:58 AM
Member to get member
Posted by Uworldpaypal  on  Sat Mar 22, 2008  at  01:31 AM
You guys begging for money are freakin retarded. No one wants to give to someone who can't handle thier own bills. Get rid of the house or car you can't afford. Get rid of your cedit cards that you obviuosly can't manage properly. In short pull up your pants, it's time to be big boys and girls. Stop thinking that someone else will solve your problems
Posted by Todd Tucker  on  Wed Apr 30, 2008  at  12:10 PM
I just got this email from an insurance agent and she didn't even bother to BCC the other addresses she sent this to.
Posted by jadzia  on  Fri Jun 20, 2008  at  08:25 AM
Here is another HOAX of $245 from MS and AOL

***********************************
From:
Date: sep 14, 2008 10:42 PM
Subject: UK Requirement.
To:



*
Dear Friends, ** ** *
*
Please do not take this for a junk letter. Bill Gates is sharing his
fortune. If you ignore this you will repent later. Microsoft and AOL are now
the largest Internet companies and in an effort to make sure that Internet
Explorer remains the most widely used program, Microsoft and AOL are running
an e-mail beta test.

When you forward this e-mail to friends, Microsoft can and will track it (if
you are a Microsoft Windows user) for a two week time period.

For every person that you forward this e-mail to, Microsoft will pay you
$245.00, for every person that you sent it to that forwards it on, Microsoft
will pay you $243.00 and for every third person that receives it, you will
be paid $241.00. Within two week! s, Microsoft will contact you for your
address and then send you a cheque. *

*Thanks and Regards*

*Guys It's working *

*
I have got $10000 . *

*
Posted by Adachan  on  Sun Sep 14, 2008  at  06:21 AM
I seems that there is a little hoax boom in the Czech Republic now. 😉

Mysl
Posted by Radek Sebesta  on  Fri Nov 07, 2008  at  12:27 PM
:-P

I used to recieve mails in similar type. It is all waste of time but at the same time the originator of this type of mails want to collect e mail address of as many as he could. This is also one type of business.
Please be aware of this Kind of mails. and do not waste your time in this type of false Mails.
A. Mohammed Haris
India
Posted by A. Mohammed Haris  on  Fri May 15, 2009  at  01:48 AM
hello my name Libor Masek
and this way you please on a smaller financial gift to the new notebooc.?.
Posted by libor  on  Wed Oct 21, 2009  at  09:30 AM
Dear Bill Gates,

My name is Husnain and i am from Pakistan, you are my favorite person. sir i sent this email of money earn before more than 2 months, but i had no received any email about my cash or any winning cash from MICROSOFT.
so please tell e that forwarding email is true or false, if true so where is my cash prize.. im a very poor man... i want money, my dad is a patient of Spinal Tumor from since 2 years, i want money for his operation or other things.. im a student in 2nd year.

i cant speak in full english or i cant write email in english ,, if i wrote any thing fasle so plz for give me..

Regards,
Husnain Ahmed
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Posted by Husnain  on  Tue Dec 01, 2009  at  12:13 AM
Not received any payment why?
Posted by Milind  on  Thu Dec 17, 2009  at  12:24 AM
Are people that dumb, that after visiting a website that disseminates the myth (I mean come on, how stupid are those people that believed this tripe - its been going around for over 10 years) that they come HERE and ask for "their" money!
Posted by are people that dumb?  on  Tue Jan 12, 2010  at  03:54 PM
Our version of this chainmail also says 'this mail has been checked by a lawyer' hahaha! People still digg this for real, can't believe it hahaha
Posted by TnT  on  Thu Feb 18, 2010  at  09:44 AM
Got a version of this type of hoax this week April 2010, it still has legs. The email forwarders were notified.
Posted by jmontes  on  Wed Apr 28, 2010  at  06:00 AM
I just received $938.89 for working 70 hours at Ford in Louisville. I have a job! I don't look for hoaxes and people giving away "free" money
Posted by Jason  on  Mon Jan 31, 2011  at  06:58 PM
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