Hackers create Jackson rumor

E-mails claiming pop star Michael Jackson has tried to kill himself are being spread by hackers as a means to break into computers, a British antivirus firm said Friday.

The hackers have sent e-mails with the subject "Re: Suicidal attempt" and the message text: "Last night, while in his Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson has made a suicidal attempt," according software security company Sophos.

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

The e-mail asks recipients to click on a link. The link takes them to a Web site that 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 Sophos.