The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Computer Crimes Unit is warning Internet users about an "FBI Computer Virus."
The CCSO has received about a dozen calls so far about receiving an e-mail purportedly sent by the FBI that installs a nasty computer virus in computers, which scares people into believing the FBI has taken control of their computer because they did something illegal online such as downloading child porn and music.
This "FBI MoneypackVirus" or a "Ransomware" virus leads users to believe control of their computer will be returned when they pay the FBI $200. The FBI logo is used to convince victims it is a legitimate message, but, it is not.
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"Do not pay it," said Detective Keith Depersia, "This is a virus and the computer will be useless until you use an anti-virus program to remove the program. If you get this fake FBI e-mail, do not open. Delete it immediately."
