pandr
04-19-2012, 04:32 PM
Scareware uses child porn warning to scam money
CBC News Posted: Apr 19, 2012 9:41 AM ET Last Updated: Apr 19, 2012 12:08 PM ET
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
RCMP on P.E.I. have been getting complaints about computer scareware, says Sgt. Andrew Blackadar. (CBC)The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has issued a warning about scareware messages saying your computer is associated with child pornography and demands money to fix the problem.
RCMP on Prince Edward Island told CBC News Wednesday they have been receiving complaints.
"Over the past couple of weeks, some Islanders have received pop-up messages on their computers claiming to be from the RCMP or CSIS or the Federal Government of Canada, and they state that the computer is involved somehow with child pornography," said Sgt. Andrew Blackadar.
"These pop-up messages, if people click on them, will actually lock up people's computers."
The warning messages tell recipients to pay $100 via Ukash so their computer can be unlocked.
Such messages, commonly known as scareware, are designed to create such shock and anxiety that victims respond by sending money quickly, said RCMP.
Last November, Ukash posted an alert on its website about a similar scam targeting residents in the United Kingdom.
If you've been "locked out" of your computer, it's an indicator that your system may have been infected with malware and you will need to take steps to address the problem. To protect yourself, the RCMP suggests you:
Turn on your pop-up blocker.
Keep your anti-virus software up to date.
Shut down your computer if you encounter this message.
C/P CBC News
CBC News Posted: Apr 19, 2012 9:41 AM ET Last Updated: Apr 19, 2012 12:08 PM ET
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
RCMP on P.E.I. have been getting complaints about computer scareware, says Sgt. Andrew Blackadar. (CBC)The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has issued a warning about scareware messages saying your computer is associated with child pornography and demands money to fix the problem.
RCMP on Prince Edward Island told CBC News Wednesday they have been receiving complaints.
"Over the past couple of weeks, some Islanders have received pop-up messages on their computers claiming to be from the RCMP or CSIS or the Federal Government of Canada, and they state that the computer is involved somehow with child pornography," said Sgt. Andrew Blackadar.
"These pop-up messages, if people click on them, will actually lock up people's computers."
The warning messages tell recipients to pay $100 via Ukash so their computer can be unlocked.
Such messages, commonly known as scareware, are designed to create such shock and anxiety that victims respond by sending money quickly, said RCMP.
Last November, Ukash posted an alert on its website about a similar scam targeting residents in the United Kingdom.
If you've been "locked out" of your computer, it's an indicator that your system may have been infected with malware and you will need to take steps to address the problem. To protect yourself, the RCMP suggests you:
Turn on your pop-up blocker.
Keep your anti-virus software up to date.
Shut down your computer if you encounter this message.
C/P CBC News