How Many Michael Jackson Death Hoaxes Have There Been??!
I've found another 2 death hoaxes related to Michael Jackson. The first reported in the press 10th June 2005 says ....
"AN EMAIL which claims Michael Jackson has killed himself is tricking Internet users into downloading a computer virus - disguised as his "suicide note".
Experts at virus busters SophosLabs say those sending the infected messages are preying on the intense interest in the controversial popstar's trial in a bid to cause harm.
The spam emails arrive with the subject: 'Re: Suicidal aattempt' and a message which starts: 'Last night, while in his Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson has made a suicidal attempt."
It then tells users to click a link in the email to read the star's final note but this really logs onto a website infected with a Trojan horse that can spy on someone's computer habits and steal information such as passwords.
Carole Theriault, security consultant for Sophos, said: "If you click on the link, the website displays a message saying it is too busy, which may not surprise people who think it might contain genuine breaking news about Michael Jackson.
"However, this is a diversionary tactic - because behind-the-scenes the website is downloading malware onto the user's computer without their knowledge.
This is not the first time the troubled pop star has been exploited by virus writers and hackers attempting to cause mayhem.
In October 2004, messages were posted on the Internet claiming that incriminating home videos belonging to Jackson had been discovered - but clicking on the link infected web surfers with another Trojan horse.
"The sick minds behind viruses and other malware often exploit celebrity names and news stories in an attempt to infect as many people as possible," Ms Theriault added.
"All computer users should be very careful about clicking on weblinks in unsolicited email or launching unknown attachments."
The other, which is much more spooky considering the current circumstances, was published in the press (notably The Ledger) 21st April 2004, and says the following
"Suicide Reports A Hoax"
"Fans of pop superstar Michael Jackson were left devistated on Friday by false reports the troubled singer had commited suicide, IMDB.com reports.
The reports which were later revealed to be a hoax, emerged on a London-based website which ran the headline: "Breaking News, Musician Michael Jackson found dead."
It was claimed Jackson had suffered a heart attack after overdosing on sleeping pills.
After the rumour reached the United States, a spokesperson for the singer insisted, "It's a lie - Michael is safe and well. This is just a rumour that came out of London; we are not happy about it at all."
(So this one actually got back to the Jackson camp and maybe Michael himself, perhaps he was so upset by this he decided he would do something to teach the people a lesson about hoaxes, it might also explain why he chose London to make the This Is It concerts and comback?! (Just a thought))
"AN EMAIL which claims Michael Jackson has killed himself is tricking Internet users into downloading a computer virus - disguised as his "suicide note".
Experts at virus busters SophosLabs say those sending the infected messages are preying on the intense interest in the controversial popstar's trial in a bid to cause harm.
The spam emails arrive with the subject: 'Re: Suicidal aattempt' and a message which starts: 'Last night, while in his Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson has made a suicidal attempt."
It then tells users to click a link in the email to read the star's final note but this really logs onto a website infected with a Trojan horse that can spy on someone's computer habits and steal information such as passwords.
Carole Theriault, security consultant for Sophos, said: "If you click on the link, the website displays a message saying it is too busy, which may not surprise people who think it might contain genuine breaking news about Michael Jackson.
"However, this is a diversionary tactic - because behind-the-scenes the website is downloading malware onto the user's computer without their knowledge.
This is not the first time the troubled pop star has been exploited by virus writers and hackers attempting to cause mayhem.
In October 2004, messages were posted on the Internet claiming that incriminating home videos belonging to Jackson had been discovered - but clicking on the link infected web surfers with another Trojan horse.
"The sick minds behind viruses and other malware often exploit celebrity names and news stories in an attempt to infect as many people as possible," Ms Theriault added.
"All computer users should be very careful about clicking on weblinks in unsolicited email or launching unknown attachments."
The other, which is much more spooky considering the current circumstances, was published in the press (notably The Ledger) 21st April 2004, and says the following
"Suicide Reports A Hoax"
"Fans of pop superstar Michael Jackson were left devistated on Friday by false reports the troubled singer had commited suicide, IMDB.com reports.
The reports which were later revealed to be a hoax, emerged on a London-based website which ran the headline: "Breaking News, Musician Michael Jackson found dead."
It was claimed Jackson had suffered a heart attack after overdosing on sleeping pills.
After the rumour reached the United States, a spokesperson for the singer insisted, "It's a lie - Michael is safe and well. This is just a rumour that came out of London; we are not happy about it at all."
(So this one actually got back to the Jackson camp and maybe Michael himself, perhaps he was so upset by this he decided he would do something to teach the people a lesson about hoaxes, it might also explain why he chose London to make the This Is It concerts and comback?! (Just a thought))
Comments
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."Like what???
It was a way of being always in the news and he was also testing his fans and reactions
Michael was/is incredibly smart and knows how to promote himself
He created an image, a whole mystery around it as well
That is just what I have heard.. did not hear it from MIchael's lips
I heard this too in a musicographie of Michael on t.v.