You're not stupid at all...these emails are very believable.

A couple of signs that an email IS a hoax:

1. No specific dates or locations are mentioned, where someone could actually check on the story.
2. Dramatic and urgent story.
3. THIS is the biggie - it asks you to send TO EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.
4. "Proof" -
*Speaking to a service representative at BellSouth Mobility confirmedthat*77 was a direct link to state trooper info in all states.
Call BellSouth yourself; call the email's bluff.

#3 is the real tip-off.