FBI has seized the computer and wanted $200 to unlock it: Email scam

[jeff of pa]

ASHLAND - The borough police chief is warning the public to be wary of an email scam that purportedly comes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It is a ploy by scammers to get money and access to a computer.
Chief Adam J. Bernodin Jr. said a borough resident, who asked to remain anonymous, reported the computer scam to police July 21.
After opening an email, the computer froze and a message appeared stating that the FBI has seized the computer and wanted $200 to unlock it.
The resident did not follow the instructions and reported the incident instead to Ashland police. When Bernodin was made aware of the matter, he contacted the FBI.

Ashland police: Email scam contains reference to FBI - News - Republican Herald

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[Michigan Badger]

If the FBI is going to lock a computer it will be behind steel doors and chances are so will the owner.

These scammers play big on civilian ignorance.

[jeff of pa]

odds are at some point someone actually downloading questionable porn
will get the email & be scared & Dumb enough to think they are paying a Fine or Bribe
& Do it quick.

I do think most people know the FBI Isn't in the buisness of giving out fines.

and it would take allot more then a $200.00 bribe to get them off their back,
considering their salary.

[FarmerChick]

stupid people are easily parted from their money. that is why the cons just love the dumb public.


heck there was a scam going out about the Federal Govt. would pay $1000 toward your electric bill because of high heat situations in the west.
just give all your personal info to receive the $1000 credit. THE AMT. of people that did it was insane. Yea they lost big time.

[Michigan Badger]

The FBI (CIA, etc.) tracks many thousands of people every year. In fact everything on the internet is 24/7 being electronically recorded. They can check on anyone at any time and know all about your business online (this includes all comments made in forums). They don't need a person's computer hard drive.

All a qualified agent has to do is punch in a name and some other info and the whole story comes out. He can even get your dental records if he needs them. All there has to be is "probable cause." And believe me, that's easy for them.

Not only this but there people are all over the internet masquerading as dumb Joes and Janes.

[stefen]

OK guys...uou're scarin me...so I'm not going to respond to these posts...

[TerryC]

I have never had a problem with scammers. My internet security software has announced problems and I stay away. My dad (rip, bless 'im) had alot of pron adds that he said he couldn't stop... and doesn't know WHERE it came from! Right! To each his own... just, you get what you pay for! 'nough said. TTC