The Better Business Bureau warns consumers should be cautious buying music, videos, or memorabilia of the late Michael Jackson. BBB also warns consumers to be wary of any emails that involve Jackson’s name.
The sudden death of the king of pop has surely produced some price gouging, counterfeit items, and other scams. Only eight hours after Jackson’s death, an IT security firm identified one spam e-mail message circulating throughout consumers’ mailboxes advertising in-depth information about Jacksons’ death. It said the following:
Vital information after the death of Michael Jackson’s I really need some one trusted and secretive to speak with with informations. I have in my possession before its too late Kindly reply me and I will immediately respond back, Its for just secret between both of us.
At first glance, the e-mail can look harmless, but it could contain malware which would infect and damage personal computers. Another email asks you to participate in a survey about what killed Michael Jackson. For completing the survey and “other program requirements” you are supposed to get a free 7 album collection of Jackson’s songs. It is likely there are hoops to jump through and purchases to engage in before there is any chance to receive the “free” items.
“Consumers need to be on the lookout for suspicious e-mails that reference Michael Jackson,” says Charlie Mattingly, President/CEO of the BBB serving Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky. “These spam e-mails can mislead consumers and be very dangers to their personal computers. The best thing to do is just delete the message.”
BBB has tips for how to deal with unwanted e-mail:
- As soon as you get it, delete it;
- Never respond to spam;
- Check with the BBB;
- Don’t give out your e-mail address;
- Never purchase anything advertised by an unsolicited e-mail.
BBB warns, with Jackson’s various investments in charities as well as his personal foundation, scam artists are also trying to fool consumers into donating money to false charities in hopes of running off with the cash. Shortly after his death, scammers started an online campaign to scam people into sending donations to the so called “Michael Jackson Organization.”
BBB also wants to remind consumers, when buying a piece of autographed memorabilia, be sure it comes with a real certificate of authenticity, and only buy it from people or websites you can trust.
BBB also advises people who want to buy a CD of Jackson's music to be patient. Many retailers will be sold out in coming days because of Jackson's death.
For more information on scams, check out the BBB website at www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.