Malware at its worst.

Unread post by **howard18** » 01 Jul 2013, 18:17

Had a very nasty shock on Sunday just gone.
I had just settled down to get my daily fix of this site when the screen suddenly burst into life with messages telling me that I had broken the law as I was either downloading child porn or had downloaded music without paying for it. The site was headed up Metropolitan Police and Cheshire Police. If I wished to escape prosecution I would have to deposit £100 into a PayZone type account where I would be given a number so that the page could be unlocked. If I didn’t comply then I would not be able to use my PC as a punishment.
Sure enough no matter what I did I couldn’t get rid of the message. I tried re-booting and getting into safe mode. Then trying a system restore. Nothing.
Anyway to cut a long story short, I waited until today and phoned my PC technician and he came round and sorted it. Took him about an hour. Cost to me £70.00.

The point is though – should I have contacted the police, after all the site was demanding money with menaces. This was/is a truly awful situation. I still don’t know whether to take it further or not. I’m just surprised that the police haven’t jumped on this one. Especially as it has a bank account.

By the way I carry full versions of Anti-Virus software but have also now installed a malware product that should ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

Howard

Unread post by **david63** » 01 Jul 2013, 18:52

I would guess that the police are fully aware of this but it is one of those things that is very difficult, and time consuming, to sort out - and almost certainly the back account will be a "red herring" and they would get nowhere going down that route.

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 01 Jul 2013, 22:01

I think I would notify the police anyway, Howard, so they can build up a picture of how widespread the problem is and maybe detect a pattern.

What a terrible predicament to find yourself in. Pleased you managed to get it sorted although sorry to hear it cost you £70.

As a matter of interest this is one of several articles:

Malware scam

Unread post by **Kendhni** » 02 Jul 2013, 06:43

These scams are rife.
I was reading an interesting story yesterday about a new breed of virus. These new ones work in collaboration with each other so that any attempt at removing one will cause its collaborative partner to reinstall it .. apparently very difficult to get rid of.

Unread post by **Kendhni** » 02 Jul 2013, 06:45

Here is the story

Unread post by **howard18** » 02 Jul 2013, 18:04

Thanks for your comments. I did in fact contact police this PM. Asked me to phone the special computer fraud line.
Evidently it is a very common virus. I still don't know why the PC became infected. They offered counseling or a chat with victim support which I declined.
Nothing much else they could offer.

So be warned!!

Howard

Unread post by **Silver_Shiney** » 02 Jul 2013, 19:01

Does anyone remember the days when computers were fun? It's becoming more and more of a security nightmare these days

Unread post by **Sarah62+** » 03 Jul 2013, 09:16

Unfortunately my Step Dad fell for this one and paid the £100. We have told him so many times about this sort of thing but he didn't listen. He went to the Co-op and purchased a Ucash voucher. As I said to him afterwards, how many times have you paid a Police fine this way? At least he didn't pay by Credit card!!!. I think he has finally learned something, and will remember to check with us if he gets any strange messages onhis computer.

Sarah

Unread post by **david63** » 03 Jul 2013, 09:47

Sarah62+ wrote:
Unfortunately my Step Dad fell for this one and paid the £100. We have told him so many times about this sort of thing but he didn't listen. He went to the Co-op and purchased a Ucash voucher. As I said to him afterwards, how many times have you paid a Police fine this way? At least he didn't pay by Credit card!!!. I think he has finally learned something, and will remember to check with us if he gets any strange messages onhis computer.

Sarah

Sorry to hear that but, sadly, it is people like your step dad that these people (other descriptions are available) prey on

Unread post by **Sarah62+** » 03 Jul 2013, 10:10

David

I agree, - he did feel embarrasssed, but I said he wouldn't be the first, and certainly won't be the last. My Father in law also got the same virus, but had the sense to ring the Police and us. Sadly my Step Dad is very gullible!!!
Sarah

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