Hackers Prepare to Capitalize on Michael Jackson Death

by Frank Jovine on 06/26/2009 in Scams & Hoaxes, Security

Hackers thrive on holidays and major headline stories. Michael Jackson’s death is no small story. More than 13,000 blogs have been published since the story broke about his tragic death. Hackers are now setting up Phishing scams to lure in their victims. Phishing and pharming are two popular forms of fraud that aim to dupe victims into believing they are at a trusted Web site such as their bank, when in fact they have been enticed to a bogus Web site that intends to steal their identity and drain their financial resources.

Cybercrime is motivated by fraud, typified by the bogus emails sent by “phishers” that aim to steal personal information. The tools driving their attacks and fueling the blackmarket are crimeware – bots, Trojan horses, and spyware.

With the passing of Michael Jackson, hackers are now preparing the ultimate scam to convince online users to make donations to the Michael Jackson Foundation or something to that affect. It’s cold and cruel to play on people’s hearts and especially fans of the King of Pop.

Do not share or click on any information that portrays itself as a foundation, fund, connected to Michael Jackson. These scams will start to percolate over the next week.

What To Do If You’re a Victim?

You can visit http://www.fraud.org/ to report on the following crimes:

  • Telemarketing Fraud
  • Internet Fraud
  • Scams Against Businesses
  • Scams Against Elderly
  • Counterfeit Drugs
  • Fraud News

Surf safe and surf smart!

  • Share/Bookmark

11 Responses to “Hackers Prepare to Capitalize on Michael Jackson Death”

  1. Kikolani

    Jun 26th, 2009

    Somehow, it doesn’t surprise me. The people who do those things have no heart or conscious… they are solely in it for the money. Karma will find them one day.

    ~ Kristi

    • Frank J

      Jun 26th, 2009

      Kristi,

      Thank you for the comment. Like I been told my whole life – “It will catch up to you sooner or later”

  2. Ching Ya

    Jun 26th, 2009

    With such nasty intentions behind,we shall always be careful. It’s just sad that some people are taking an advantage over somebody’s passing. Thanks for providing the info, Frank.

    @wchingya
    Social/Blogging Tracker

    • Frank J

      Jun 27th, 2009

      Ching Ya,

      It’s sad we have people like this walking the earth.

  3. Elizabeth Abbott

    Jun 27th, 2009

    I appreciate this information. Thestickman presented this to us in our Tiond Forum so I thank him also. I also agree with @wchingya. Great Trouble-shooting! Elizabeth Abbott

    • Frank J

      Jun 27th, 2009

      Elizabeth,

      Thank you for commenting and thanks to Thestickman for sharing.

  4. homedetoxgirl

    Jun 27th, 2009

    It is such a great loss that a man with great talent like Michael Jackson dies. RIP King of POP.

    • Frank J

      Jun 28th, 2009

      There are some horrible people in this world and stuff like this has its place and should stay there.

  5. myarthritistreatments78

    Jun 28th, 2009

    Michael Jackson is my favorite pop artist ever since i was a child. He is truly the King of Pop and i am saddened by this news.

  6. Melatonina Melatonine

    Jul 4th, 2009

    there would be no other King of Pop like Michael Jackson. he would always be the King.

  7. Caramoan Island Tour Resort

    Jul 8th, 2009

    Michael Jackson would still be remembered as the only King of Pop. We would surely miss him.