Subject:        Free Computer Equipment!!!

         Hey, I just wanted to let you guys know about this
         great new PCI just got from IBM!

         Hewlett-Packard and Gateway have just merged to
         form the biggest computer supplier in the world!
         Bigger than Dell, bigger than IBM, bigger than
         them all!  In response to this amazing merger, IBM
         has set aside 250,000 free computers to reward and
         keep it's most loyal and trusted customers!  I've
         already got mine, read on to see how you can get
         yours!!!

         This email has a special encoding which will let
         IBM know every time you send it to one of your
         friends or relatives.  The first 250,000 people
         who send this to at least 15 of their friends will
         receive a brand new IBM computer!  After you send
         this to your friends, and qualify, IBM will
         contact you via email, and get your shipping
         address.  Send them your address, and in a couple
         of days, a brand new computer, complete with
         printer, and 19" monitor is sitting on your
         doorstep!  You must hurry, because this offer ends
         July 31 of this year!

         Here's the catch, though.  Each of your friends
         must send this to at least 5 people or you won't
         be eligible, so choose your friends wisely!
         Remember, a true friend will send this along for
         you!  That's all it takes, no strings attached!
         No purchase necessary!!!  You don't even have to
         have previously purchased a computer from IBM!
         They want to earn or keep your future business,
         and they're willing to pay for it!!! Take Care,
         and let's get some new computers!!!

  You will also (no doubt) see versions of the above hoax with the July 31st expiration date changed different details and different names of companies.