Mechling/Mechcom Support Group   

FBI Warning virus/scam

   The FBI Moneypak virus, also referred to as the FBI virus (Citadel Reveton) is a term for ransomware we discovered in 2012, that cyber criminals use in attempt to disguise themselves as the FBI. The FBI virus utilizes Trojan horses (Trojan.Ransomlock.R, reveton) in order to lock computer systems (Your PC is blocked). The FBI virus applies a variety of unethical tactics, including social engineering in attempt to persuade unsuspecting victims to pay an unnecessary fine by making fraudulent claims that the computer has been involved in illegal activity (cyber crime) (downloaded or distributed copyrighted material or viewed child pornography, etc.) and demands a penalty fine of $100, $200, $300, or more to be paid in order to unlock the computer system within the allotted time of 72 hours by use of Moneypak cards (Ultimate Game Card Virus, Ukash Virus). The FBI Moneypak ransomware virus also states on the fake FBI screen that you (the computer owner) may see jail time if the fine is not paid in time.

Green Dot Moneypak cards are prepaid credit cards you can purchase at Walmart or Walgreens type stores (Moneypak card).

Please note, this occurrence is the symptom of dangerous malware called ransomware. The claims made by the FBI virus on the fake FBI page are not real. You are not in trouble with the FBI, paying the fine using Ukash vouchers and Moneypak cards will not fix this particular malware, and using an activation number to remove the FBI virus will likely initiate a response and lead to further complications.