Fake FBI Malware Scam Locks Computers, Extorts Money

Boston, MASS – The FBI’s National Press Office is warning the public about a new Internet virus that locks computers and carries a fake message purportedly from the FBI requesting payment to unlock the computer. Over the last week, the FBI’s Boston Division, which covers Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, has received an increasing number of reports from individuals who have fallen victim to this scam.

Reveton has been identified as “drive-by” malicious software (malware) because unlike many viruses — which activate when users open a file or attachment — this one can install itself when users simply click on a compromised website. Once infected, the victim’s computer immediately locks, and the monitor displays a screen stating there has been a violation of federal law.

The fraudulent message goes on to say the user’s Internet address was identified by the FBI or the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section as having been associated with child pornography sites or other illegal online activity. To unlock their machines, users are told to pay a fine using a prepaid money card service.

“In the last week alone, we have seen a large increase in the number of people who have called our office to report the virus infected their computer,” said Kevin Swindon, an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of computer crimes in the FBI’s Boston Division. “Because your computer can be infected by simply clicking on an infected web site, the best prevention is to keep anti-virus software and computer operating systems updated.” 

Swindon also said, “The FBI will never ask you for money and, more generally, whenever someone asks for money via the Internet, users should always be concerned about the legitimacy of the request because the commonality in nearly all Internet scams is a request for money.”

If you believe you have been a victim of this Internet scam, please go to Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov to file a complaint and look for updates about the Reveton virus.

IC3 was established in 2000 as a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. It gives victims an easy way to report cyber crimes and provides law enforcement and regulatory agencies with a central referral system for complaints.