Cheshire Police have issued a warning to computer users following reports of malware (malicious software) scams circulating the internet purporting to be from law enforcement agencies.
This specific type of malware locks screens and requests members of the public to pay a fine to get their computers unlocked. The malware infects personal computers after users have accessed certain websites.
An alderleyedge.com reader contacted us recently when her computer was hit by a nasty virus.
She said "I worried that my daughter had looked at something by accident when googling, it has been a huge lesson to her and myself.
"The screen shows that the police have received evidence we are using the internet in an illegal manner and we have been shut down, to open up we have to pay a £100 fine.
"It had my details on the screen (the blacked out area above) and the fraud squad said they can also download a picture of me if I have webcam."
Officers from the MET Police Central e-Crime Unit (PCeU) are working with international law enforcement agencies to investigate this offence.
PCeU have liaised with all other UK forces to make them aware of the malware and steps to take.
A police spokesperson said "This is a fraud and users are advised NOT to pay out any monies or hand out any bank details. Cheshire Police would never contact members of the public via email and demand funds in this way.
"We would advise anyone who has been deceived by such a message and parted with any money to report the offence to their local police by dialing 101. Virus/Malware infections where no money has been lost can be logged at www.actionfraud.org.uk/report_fraud."
In order to reduce the chances of being infected by this or similar malware, police strongly recommend that anti-virus software is both used and (importantly) routinely updated to keep pace with new threats as they are discovered. Advice can be found at www.getsafeonline.org."
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