Users of music share programs such as Audiogalaxy are beginning to suspect that the record industry might be using their own tools against them, following a flood of bogus releases onto the networks.

Over the last week or so, users of Audiogalaxy have reported that a significant number of tracks they have downloaded are not what they claim to be. Rather than downloading a full MP3 of the requested song, users are more often than not finding themselves with a 20-second clip repeated over and over to give the impression of a complete file.

According to reports, the biggest culprits are the latest releases from Eminem and No Doubt, who also share the same label, Interscope.

Although it is possible that the bogus files could be the work of an internet prankster, it seems a lot of effort to go to.

The more likely explanation, currently doing the rounds in forums such as Slashdot, is that the files are planted by the record companies themselves, both as a deterrent and advertisement to MP3 downloaders.

It would not be the first time music companies have used guerrilla tactics to attempt to cripple the pirates. Bands have leaked "advertising versions" of their songs before.

But if the speculation is correct and bogus files are leaking onto the file swap networks in noticeable numbers, then it may indicate that the record industry has finally worked out how to use the pirates' technology against them.

Audiogalaxy is currently being dragged through the courts by the record industry.