Police warning over internet scam which demands fine for 'viewing adult content'
Police in Devon are warning the public about an internet scam where the name of Strathclyde Police is used to defraud internet users.
Devon & Cornwall Police say they have received a number of calls in relation to an internet scam where members of the public receive an online pop-up message claiming to be from Strathclyde Police.
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The message states that the person's computer has been locked by police and says they will need to call a given number and pay a fine for viewing adult content online.
The computer screen does lock in most cases.
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A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Strathclyde Police have informed the public that this is an internet scam and has absolutely nothing to do with them.
“They have made it clear that they would never ask the public for money under such circumstances and urge people who receive the pop-up to not to follow the instructions or call the number.
“They should definitely not pay any money or give out personal details.”
Strathclyde Police’s Computer Crime Unit is currently carrying out enquiries to trace the source of the scam.
Devon & Cornwall Police urge anyone who is subjected to the scam not to follow the instructions, but instead to contact Strathclyde Police as soon as possible on the non-emergency telephone number 0141 532 2000, quoting incident number SP-20111126-1892.
Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau are aware of the scam and are in the process of updating their websites with the correct information.
Comments
by superman18
Friday, December 16 2011, 5:55PM
“My girl friend's computer has been infected with this scam Notice demanding a fine.
A virus scan hasn't revealed any malicious software.
Does anyone know how to remove the Notice which comes up almost as soon as the computer has started.
Whatever virus is embedded in the scam Notice has caused Internet access to be slow/unresponsive & removes notes on desktop .Those notes do come up & then the screen
flashes & they disappear.
Any ideas?? PS. I'm not a computer wizard.
Martin Manchester”
by Redskys
Wednesday, December 14 2011, 8:11PM
“Well said CarltonClub. This rag is a complete joke and has been for the past few years.
Saying that, my computer screen locked / froze. Then i realised it was in the fridge..”
by CarltonClub
Wednesday, December 14 2011, 7:44PM
“Herald Express is now an online joke. Why not just put the paper out of its misery.”
by Ian_Exeter
Wednesday, December 14 2011, 4:39PM
“How can a computer screen lock ? Reporters for this paper know nothing about technology”