As an ardent supporter of Windows, its subsceptability to malware attacks is still a sore black eye. Fortunately for me, I followed this advice to minimize the impact of a virus. Specifically – my account was a standard user account, not an administrative one. Read that article to learn more about how to use your Windows computer more securely.
“Your Computer has been locked!” – Fake FBI Warning
While browsing a website, my computer suddenly displayed this screen. My first reaction was “whatever, ALT+F4″ My next reaction was “oh – that didn’t work.” I have dual monitors, so one of them showed only my desktop background. The other showed this bogus message. I tried “CTRL+ALT+DEL” and then run task manager, but I would be returned to my blank desktop and this message. The message did exactly what it threatened to do, and it did it pretty well. I’ve been a computer network engineer for over a decade and this thing briefly left me feeling locked out… WOW
The message claims to be from the FBI warning that “The work on your computer has been suspended on the grounds of unauthorized cyberactivity.” The message further states “To unlock your computer and to avoid other legal consequences, you are obligated to pay a release fee of $200.” (OK thieves – at least be reasonable, and by the way I hope you die painfully for all the trouble you cause) The message advises you to go to your local 7-11, Rite Aid, Kmart, CVS, Walgreens or Walmart and pickup a “green dot MoneyPak” voucher.
This is (obviously) a fake message. The creator of this virus is dressing this scam up as an FBI enforcement warning when it’s really a trick to have you send them $200 bucks! This is a great specimen of “Ransomware” where a virus gets into your computer, locks your files or your access and then demands money to unlock your files or access to your computer. This type of ransomware has usually surfaced as fake anti-virus in the past. So incase you were on the way to the store to pick up a MoneyPak card, please don’t!
So now that you know this is a fake message and that your computer IS NOT LOCKED by the FBI, see our “Your Computer has been locked” virus removal guide. Our virus removal guide doesn’t require any downloads and doesn’t require you to purchase anything.
If you require further assistance, as always, feel free to call (888) 777-WURX. One of our engineers will be glad to help you rid yourself of this pesky virus for much less than the $200.00 the ransomware is asking for.
Click HERE to see our Virus Removal Guide for the Fake FBI Virus
