Whatever you do, don’t follow the payment instructions for any ransomware!
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (which is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center) has recently been made aware of a new variety of malware (MALicous softWARE) used to deliver ransomware malware. The malware lures the victim to a dummy website, at which time the malware is instantly installed on the user’s computer.
Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States federal law. The message further declares the user has been identified by the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section as having visited child pornography and other illegal content websites.
The user is then instructed to pay a $100 fine to the U.S. Department of Justice using prepaid money card services to unlock their computer. The ransomware is intelligent and can determine the geographic location of the user to figure out what payment services are offered to the user. In addition to the request for money, the malware continues to operate on the user’s computer and can be used by the criminals to commit online banking and credit card fraud all without the user’s knowledge.
This is an attempt to wring money out of the user with the additional possibility of the victim’s computer being used by criminals to participate in online bank fraud. If you have received this message or something similar, DO NOT FOLLOW THE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS!
It is suggested that you contact your computer repair company immediately to get this ransomware malware removed quickly and safely.
Call Mad Dog Computer for your expert Portland computer repair at 503-922-1599. We promise to give you quality service at a price that is both competitive and reasonable! We serve the entire Portland Oregon metro area.
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