Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The FBI has issued an alert about a virus and scam they're calling "Ransomware," which takes over your computer screen, claims you've broken the law, and tries to get you to hand over money to make it go away. What’s worse: The scammers pull off the ultimate role reversal by pretending to be the FBI.
Here’s what happens: Your computer is taken over by a notice that looks like an official alert from the FBI. It accuses you of violating copyright and child porn laws, then threatens that you have to pay a fine to unlock your computer.
But remember, anything claiming to be from the government should be a red flag.
“If the FBI needs to get in contact with members of the public, we would not do so via an unsolicited computer message,” said Jenny Shearer, with the FBI.
Shearer suggests bringing your computer to a professional because the message freezes your computer and that can be hard to fix.
For additional information on this scam, visit the
FBI’s website.
