Trend Micro Detects Spam Saying Michael Jackson was Killed

According to the security company 'Trend Micro', spammers are currently dispatching fraudulent e-mails claiming that Michael Jackson did not die a natural death but was murdered. The e-mail recipients could know more by clicking on a given link.

Although several days have passed since Jackson's death, yet there continues to be many speculations about his demise. Consequently, there are plenty of Michael Jackson-related spam hitting the Internet, with one having the title - "Who Killed Michael Jackson?" and showing the sender's name as 'x-files.'

The e-mail also states that the pop star was murdered and details about who was behind the assassination could be found from a given link. Moreover, clicking on the link takes the user to a website that tells the person that if he opens a certain executable file, he could know the secret information about Jackson's death.

Naturally, the executable file says nothing regarding the murderer of Michael Jackson. In fact, it is not even related to the star, but a malware that steals data and Trend Micro detected it as TROJ_ZBOT.AXY.

This Trojan reportedly forms a link with a particular URL where the malware downloads a file that displays several banking-related websites. But when an end-user tries to log-in to any of these websites, he finds an imitation site rather than the actual one. Consequently, whatever crucial information he might enter to the site, it will automatically get transmitted to a distant hacker.

Besides, an explosion of e-mail spam is being seen regarding iconic celebrities as in the case of Michael Jackson's death. About ten days back, spam attacks, never witnessed before, were reported being sent via SMTP from unknown domains.

Other instances of scams related to Michael Jackson's death include e-mails pretending to be current updates from reputed news websites. It is expected that more scam attempts might emanate through bogus websites and web-links on sites for social-networking.

Thus, Internet surfers are advised to be careful while viewing websites. Visit only trustworthy sources and do not randomly click on links associated with Michael Jackson's story and ensure that up-to-date security software is in place.

Related article: Trend Micro Detects Spam Mail Declaring World War III

» SPAMfighter News - 7/16/2009