Scam - computer locked up: This has to be a scam. It happened on my wife's computer running windows XP. She got a screen that said the federal government locked up the computer. It...

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

This has to be a scam. It happened on my wife's computer running windows XP. She got a screen that said the federal government locked up the computer. It said to send $300. within 48 hrs. and it would be unlocked. I saw something on this a while back but never read all of it. I unplugged the wire to the router but all I get is the screen to diagnose internet connection. I'm hoping the problem will go away in 48 hrs. Does anyone know about this and what to do?

Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK

The first stop is always Google!

Try these for starters;

http://guides.yoosecurity.com/how-remove-fbi-moneypak-virus-malware-that-blocked-pc-asks-for-payment-100-dollars/

http://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/6772-remove-fbi-your-computer-has-been-locked-scam

This sort of thing usually comes from a dodgy website or opening a suspect email.

Make sure you have good antivirus - there are many free ones that work well such as AVG. Also get a firewall such as PCtools Firewall - also free. Another useful program is Malwarebytes anti malware.

mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

Had it too. Official FBI seal and everything! I got pretty suspicious when the reason I was shut down was supposedly because I was "a terrorist and dealing in child pornography." But, if I sent them $250, all would be forgiven, and my computer would be unlocked! I believe it's called the Green Dot Virus. You can google it and find free fixes on-line. Some people need to find a better hobby, huh?

As Crwiwy stated, Malwarebytes worked for me.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Try turning back your computers clock about 50 hours...after the 48 hours has passed, re-set it back to normal...this worked for the Michael Angelo Virus. As a precaution we would set all the office computers backwards, then after the time of ignition so to speak, we would set the clocks back to the correct time. This was when the threat was first discovered and there was no anti virus written for it at the time. There is also a couple things that by upgrading Firefox, it would allow for a hit from a virus software company threatening you had a virus and unless you downloaded their product you would remain infected, truth be told, the upgrade changes a coupe setting in the security of Firefox, unaware to the consumer, once changed back...the threat disappeared. That one I haven't seen in about a year.

artlover Loc: NM

I use Symantec software each and every time I turn on the PC/
The only things that are left are the "cookies", a low risk.

artlover Loc: NM

artlover wrote:

I use Symantec software each and every time I turn on the PC/
The only things that are left are the "cookies", a low risk.

You can also do a complete scan or limited scan once per week.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

I use Eset Smart Security, http://go.eset.com/us/search-brand/?CMP=KNC-g-ag&mkwid=sHIR49adR&pcrid=18984755290&pmt=e&pkw=eset%20smart%20security&gclid=CP_rgfGI5rcCFQmf4AodzmQAfg
24/7 monitoring plus a full system (network) scan at 2:00 am every morning. Even so, on occasion something pops up as a threat, it usually is a new installations .exe file. It's usually my fault for not teaching or telling it a new program is okay to execute.
BTW...not the easiest to set up, but tech support is one of the best...

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

If you care to use the search function you will see this and the cure has already been discussed

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Bill MN wrote:

This has to be a scam. It happened on my wife's computer running windows XP. She got a screen that said the federal government locked up the computer. It said to send $300. within 48 hrs. and it would be unlocked. I saw something on this a while back but never read all of it. I unplugged the wire to the router but all I get is the screen to diagnose internet connection. I'm hoping the problem will go away in 48 hrs. Does anyone know about this and what to do?

Please --- or thanks

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

Crwiwy wrote:

The first stop is always Google! br br Try these ... (show quote)

Thanks for the links.

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

mac430 wrote:

Had it too. Official FBI seal and everything! I got pretty suspicious when the reason I was shut down was supposedly because I was "a terrorist and dealing in child pornography." But, if I sent them $250, all would be forgiven, and my computer would be unlocked! I believe it's called the Green Dot Virus. You can google it and find free fixes on-line. Some people need to find a better hobby, huh?

As Crwiwy stated, Malwarebytes worked for me.

You got a bargain at $250. Mine was $300. inflation I guess. :thumbup:

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

OnDSnap wrote:

Try turning back your computers clock about 50 hou... (show quote)

Can't get on to turn back clock but thanks anyway.

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

artlover wrote:

You can also do a complete scan or limited scan once per week.

That was my wife's computer so I don't know what she was doing. I think it was an email she opened.

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

OnDSnap wrote:

I use Eset Smart Security, http://go.eset.com/us/s... (show quote)

Right now I wish I was a computer geek.

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

JR1 wrote:

If you care to use the search function you will see this and the cure has already been discussed

I did and couldn't find it. You can please find it for me if you like.