STORM2K

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:16 pm**

msnbc.com

Jackson suicide rumor spreads virus
E-mail link directs users to Website, Trojan horse

Updated: 12:58 p.m. ET June 10, 2005AMSTERDAM - E-mails claiming pop star Michael Jackson, on trial on sex abuse charges, has tried to kill himself are being spread by hackers as a means to break into computers, a British anti-virus firm said on Friday.

The hackers have sent emails with the subject "Re: Suicidal attempt" and the message text: "Last night, while in his Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson has made a suicidal attempt", said security software specialists at Sophos.

Jackson is awaiting a California court verdict on charges of child molestation.

The email asks recipients to click on a link that takes them to a Web site which secretly installs malicious code on their computers.

"If you click on the link, the Web site displays a message saying it is too busy, which may not surprise people who think it might contain genuine breaking news about Michael Jackson," said Carole Theriault, security consultant at SophosLabs.

© Reuters 2005. All rights reserved.

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:52 pm**

Wow, what next?

M.

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:59 pm**

I'm interested in the outcome, but not THAT much!

Any E-message coming to me with such a "tagline" would be sent to Trash faster than a speeding Annabelle chasing a "Demo-cat"! :wink:

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 1:04 pm**

Last night we had a friend pop over. Somewhere along the line Jim mentioned merely OJ and Tim gasped - did the jury return the verdict? We all cracked up. It was such a funny moment. Then he recovered and said - I'm not really following this story......LOL

Mary

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 1:06 pm**

Doesn't it almost remind you of the OJ verdict watch, though? Everyone is on pins and needles about the outcome.

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 1:46 pm**

Darn... he failed. :lol:

I would never open anything like that. I know if it were true, it'd be all over the TV right now.

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 2:44 pm**

Thank you very much for the heads-up, Cindy!

Eric

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 2:50 pm**

Skywatch_NC wrote:Thank you very much for the heads-up, Cindy!

Eric

You are very welcome my friend

Posted: **Fri Jun 10, 2005 4:33 pm**

Speaking of OJ, YES this trial reminds me of that trial. Everyone is talking about it. And anticipating the outcome.

Mary