Police issue computer pop up scam warning to residents

POLICE in Coleraine are warning the public to be vigilant following a number of recent reports of a possible computer scam.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Mar 2012, 08:15 BST

It’s understood that some residents are being targeted by a virus which temporarily locks the user’s screen. A pop up then appears claiming the computer has been used for illegal activity.

This virus purports to be from law enforcement and can have a PCeU (Police Central e-crime Unit) or other UK police service logo attached. The pop-up demands a fine to get the computer unlocked.

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A police spokesperson told The Coleraine Times: “This is a fraud and users are advised not to pay out any monies or hand out any bank details. Payment of any monies will not release this pop up as it is malware.

“The PSNI, nor any other Police Service in the UK, will never contact members of the public via email in this manner and demand funds in this way.

Police advise anyone who has been deceived by such a message to report the offence to Coleraine police station.