The truth is out there ...

And, for many, it can be found at the Urban Legends Web site at urbanlegends.about.com

The Urban Legends site at About.com is run by David Emery, "a self-described writer and avid chronicler of urban folklore," particularly that on the Internet.

The site chronicles Internet hoaxes, e-mail rumors and urban legends. It even contains a glossary of his use of the terms.

Users of Emery's Web site need only type the relevant words of their e-mail in the search box at the top of the page to look up suspicious e-mail information.

The site is also meticulously indexed under "Essentials," where users clicking "Current Netlore" can find information on all the latest misinformation on the Net — Internet hoaxes, rumors, urban legends, chain letters and junk e-mail.

Under "Current Netlore" are various indexes, such as New Additions, The Top 25 and the A-Z List, billed as "a complete roster of Internet hoaxes, rumors and urban legends."

There is even a "How to Contribute" link for those suspected hoaxes, rumors or urban legends that users have received but can't find on the site.

Terrorism-related rumors are grouped under "9/11 Terror Attacks & Aftermath," and there are separate indexes for Celebrities, Companies and Products, Computer Virus Hoaxes, "Free Stuff" Chain Letters (I got the Applebee's Giveaway this summer), and even Sick, Dying & Missing Kids.

So, do the world a favor. Verify those e-mails that give you pause for concern before forwarding them to a friend.