I once actually tracked an email claiming that a childrens' hospital in Philadelphia would donate a few cents toward the treatment of a teenage boy who had a neurological disease. I called the only childrens' hospital in the area, was connected to the public relations office and informed the woman of the email. She confirmed it was bogus. The plot thickens. I can't remember now exactly how, but I got the kid's home phone number. I left a message explaining the reason for the call and my email address/phone number. Two hours later I received an email from the kid's mother thanking me for taking the trouble to check out the hoax. She said it all started as a tasteless joke amongst friends and then it took on a life of its own. Legitimate internet petitions are posted by official organizations which have forms to fill out and occasionally ask you to supply additional information. And you usually have to go to them, they don't go to you.