Chain letter facts for kids

A chain letter is a message that tries to get the person who receives it to make many copies and send them to as many other people as possible. Imagine a chain where each link creates more links! But this "chain" is actually like a growing pyramid that can't go on forever.

Chain letters often use different tricks. They might tell sad or scary stories to make you feel strong emotions. Some promise you'll get rich quickly, which are usually pyramid schemes. Others try to scare you with bad luck or threats if you don't send the letter on.

In the past, chain letters were actual letters sent through the mail. Today, most chain letters are digital. You might see them as email messages, posts on social media sites, or even text messages.

What Are the Main Types of Chain Letters?

Chain letters usually fall into two main groups: hoaxes and urban legends. It's good to know the difference so you can spot them!

Hoaxes: Tricky Messages

Hoaxes are messages that try to trick or cheat people. They can be harmful, like telling you to delete an important file on your computer because it's a "virus," when it's actually something your computer needs to work. Hoaxes can also be scams that try to get you to send money or share your personal information. Phishing attacks, which try to steal your login details, are a type of hoax.

Urban Legends: Stories That Spread

Urban legends are stories or warnings that are designed to be shared widely. They often claim to have important or urgent news. For example, you might get an email that promises you money if you forward it to many friends, or says that by forwarding it, you're signing a petition for a special group. Most urban legends don't cause any real harm, but they can waste your time.

Are Chain Letters Legal?

In some places, like the United States, chain letters that ask for money or other valuable things and promise you'll get a lot back are against the law. These are often called "get-rich-quick" schemes, and they are illegal because they are usually scams.

See also

In Spanish: Cadena de mensajes para niños

Images for kids

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  Top portion of an 18th century "Letter from Heaven," produced in England.

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  Printed Australian chain letter from 2006, with a five-cent coin taped to it as what it calls a "financial eye-catcher"