[Scarlett.]

MICHAEL JACKSON faked his own death to escape the pressures of fame, according to crazed fans who believe their hero is still alive.

Thousands have been logging onto websites to join wacky conspiracy theories that the star is simply preparing for the ultimate comeback.

One site has published a photo it claims is of Jacko on Sunday - three days after his death - although you can't see his face and there's no proof the snap is new.

Another webpage reckons he has been planning this for nearly a year-and-a-half and is now in hiding in Eastern Europe.

A third believes Jacko was spotted crossing the border into Mexico hours after news of his death broke on Thursday.

Again there is no hard evidence to support the claims.

The leading conspiracy theory website is www.michaeljacksonsightings.com

The site has published a grainy photo it says is Jacko, above, and claims the man who died on Thursday was a Jacko double with a terminal illness whose family will be looked after in return.

A message reads: "Over the past few days there have been many Michael sightings. People have e-mailed with pictures and amazing stories.

"Michael is alive and well and happier than ever. The plot was 10 years in the making but it had to be done.

"We know he is alive because we have seen pictures. Clear pictures taken June 26, 2009 of Michael Jackson lounging poolside with friends.

"This site is dedicated to bringing the truth to his fans and ultimately to provide a forum for Michael to communicate with them.

"We feel he was forced to fake his death the same way companies are forced into bankruptcy.

"Those close to Michael have known about the plot for years, it was a very expensive and intricate venture.

"The man who died had a terminal illness and his death was long overdue. He was given facial surgery to resemble Michael exactly. No doubt his family will be taken care of.

"Soon we think Michael's new music will be out.

"Under a different name and with a drastically altered face, which sounds better than ever, even though a harmonizer has been used to disguise his voice.

"Michael wants to connect with his fans, he only wants to run from those who would seek to control him."

Advertisement

Another site, called Jackson Faked His Own Death, also claims Jacko's death is a stunt, but this time that he is holed up in Eastern Europe ready to return in person.

They claim: "Once he is rested and ready will blow the lid off his own hoax and then embark on the most spectacularly lucrative concert tour in the history of rock 'n' roll."

Then there is www.michaeljacksonhoaxdeath.com, which claims to have been told by sources from the United States Customs and Border Protection saw Michael and another unidentified man, crossing the California-Mexico Border late on Thursday night.

A witness says: "How could you mistake a face like that? I'm certain it was Michael Jackson.

"His hair was cut short and he was wearing dark sunglasses, but I've got a couple of his albums and seen him on TV and everything, so I have not doubt in my mind that it was him."

The man added that he had no idea the singer had died at the time of the sighting.

The Sun