Internet Scam: Fake Police Threat

Here is a scam that combines the use of a malware virus on your computer and sending cash to a scammer via wire transfer (typically Western Union or MoneyGram, but in this case the scammer was willing to use PayPal [which I think the scammer would have then claimed PayPal wasn't working and move the victim to a more anonymous untraceable service] or UKash). The scammer appeals to the victim's sense of fear of authority (and fear of being accused of viewing pornography online).

POLICE are warning residents to be wary of internet scams following two incidents in Uttlesford in the last month.

In both incidents the victim’s computer screen was locked whilst surfing the internet by a pop-up claiming to be the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Directorate. The victim was threatened with punishment under copyright law or for searching pornography and asked to pay £100 through Paypal or UKash for the message to disappear.

Sergeant Colin Cox stressed that this is something the Police have never and will never do.

“The police don’t do anything like this,” he said.

“This is not a new crime, it emerged last year and while there have been incidents elsewhere this is the first time it has been reported in Uttlesford.

“I would urge people not to hand over any cash because paying will not fix your computer and you will have to get it repaired which will cost even more.”