Message from Cumbria
Constabulary and Cumbria Trading Standards
Cumbria Police and Trading Standards are reminding residents to beware of a computer virus which causes your computer "to freeze" and then an official looking message appears on your screen. The message purports to be from the Police or Serious Crime Agency and implies that the computer has been used to view illegal sites or used for illegal activity such as pornography or money laundering. The message states that you must pay £100 fine to unlock your computer.
Similar previous scams have purported to come from the Metropolitan British Police, West Yorkshire Police and Cheshire Constabulary. The message mentions a number of ways to pay the fine, including by UKASH voucher, Payzone, E Pay logo and Pay Day Safe Card. It contains authentic looking logos and a picture of HRH The Queen.
It is important to ensure that you have "malware protection" in order to reduce the risk of computer being infected. Never respond to unsolicited emails or messages that ask for payment or bank account details. Use only trusted websites and make sure your web browser is up to date.
Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report it online at www.actionfraud.police.uk
For general consumer advice on this or any other matter please contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/cumbriats
Cumbria Police and Trading Standards are reminding residents to beware of a computer virus which causes your computer "to freeze" and then an official looking message appears on your screen. The message purports to be from the Police or Serious Crime Agency and implies that the computer has been used to view illegal sites or used for illegal activity such as pornography or money laundering. The message states that you must pay £100 fine to unlock your computer.
Similar previous scams have purported to come from the Metropolitan British Police, West Yorkshire Police and Cheshire Constabulary. The message mentions a number of ways to pay the fine, including by UKASH voucher, Payzone, E Pay logo and Pay Day Safe Card. It contains authentic looking logos and a picture of HRH The Queen.
It is important to ensure that you have "malware protection" in order to reduce the risk of computer being infected. Never respond to unsolicited emails or messages that ask for payment or bank account details. Use only trusted websites and make sure your web browser is up to date.
Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report it online at www.actionfraud.police.uk
For general consumer advice on this or any other matter please contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/cumbriats