Dear Action Line: What do you know about this FBI message on computers saying people sent out pornography and then asking for payment of a large fine? I just barely know how to use this *#% thing, let alone send out pornography! - S.T., Tulsa.
You are the latest recipient of the "FBI MoneyPak Ransomware Virus" making the rounds around the country threatening everyone - "designed to frighten, introduce the virus and extort money from consumers," said Rick Brinkley, chief operating officer of the Tulsa Better Business Bureau.
Worse yet, if your computer has a webcam for live chats with your granddaughter, the virus can pull up your picture from your computer's webcam and next to it include a statement saying you committed a serious crime and that the accusation will be made public if you don't pay the fine immediately.
With this scam, a message with the FBI's logo shows up on your computer saying the user is doing something illegal, such as distributing child pornography, downloading music or movies (violating copyright laws) or other criminal activity, said Brinkley.
The screen tells the user to pay a hefty fine to get the computer unlocked and then demands the user's credit card information.
The virus can show up in several different ways on consumers' computers. In other cases, there is a blaring warning stating, "Your computer has been locked!" Either way, the message always leads the user to the MoneyPak portal to pay a fine.
"Even though there is a legit-looking FBI logo, consumers need to know not to follow the scam's instructions to pay money," Brinkley said. "Instead, have a computer professional take a look at it and remove the virus."
"FBI virus" tips: The BBB offers the following tips to people who experience the FBI MoneyPak Ransomware Virus:
Do not pay fines: Never follow the steps to pay money in the message's instructions. Do not log onto any bank accounts or other important accounts. Turn the computer off and unplug it from the cable or internet service provider.
Leave virus alone: Don't unfreeze the virus on your own. Even if you are able to unfreeze your computer without paying fines, the virus malware may still exist within it. Certain types of malware are able to pick up information such as credit card numbers, user names and passwords and transmit these back to the criminals.
Contact computer professional: Remove this virus with help from a computer professional able to completely remove the virus malware before it steals your personal information.
One local consumer said she was given 72 hours to pay the fine, "or action would be taken," said Brinkley. She was afraid not to pay, but when she did and her computer was finally unlocked the next day, her computer still had 38 viruses: Trojans, malware, etc. She had to pay a $100 virus removal bill to get back on the Internet.
Submit Action Line questions by calling 918-699-8888, emailing
phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com or by mailing them to Tulsa World Action Line, PO Box 1770, Tulsa OK 74102-1770.
Original Print Headline: Don't pay ransom to 'FBI virus' swindle
Consumer Awareness
Edmunds.com last week released its annual list of Best Used Cars for 2013, a list of 17 cars across every segment based on "the most important criteria: reliability, safety, value and availability."
Dear Action Line: I received a mailing from the IRS and wonder if this is typical. I thought all such notices came by email. Should I call the Tulsa IRS on this? - B.N., Tulsa
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