Hoax is a term that can refer to a false story in a newspaper or a prank. On the Internet the term refers to false reports. In the early days the terms was used mainly for prank warnings about supposed computer viruses that would delete the hard disk on the affected systems. Today, however, hoaxes play a role in spreading political misinformation. False reports frequently aim to destroy or damage the reputation of certain companies or organisations.

Chain e-mails are considered hoaxes. For example, these might include e-mails from a purported editor of a messenger service. The hoax e-mail typically prompts the victim to forward the e-mail to as many recipients as possible, claiming that it is the only way for the service to remain free in future.