British anti-virus firm Sophos said a recent e-mail discussing the untrue suicide attempt by Michael Jackson is a hoax that lures innocent web users to visit a website, which then downloads malicious code onto the users’ computers without their knowledge.

The hoax e-mail is subjected, "Re: Suicide aattempt" and further reads, "Last night, while in his Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson has made a suicidal attempt."

"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," said Carole Theriault, Security Consultant, Sophos. "However, this is a diversionary tactic - because behind the scenes the website is downloading malware onto the user's computer without their knowledge."

Sophos security analysts confirmed the Trojan to be Troj/Borobt-Gen.

Sophos said this e-mail is made more authentic and appears to be latest news due to the media attraction by Jackson’s ongoing child molestation case. The company said it’s a common tool by malicious code writers to infect as many PCs as possible by exploiting celebrity names.

The security firm cautioned users and companies, and said that everyone must update their anti-virus software to reflect the update.