Computer Scams Lead To New Alerts
The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division is warning of yet another scam affecting our local citizens.
Kosciusko County Sheriff’s detectives have received three recent reports of individuals having a virus that enters their computer and identifies itself as the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Apparently the computer is “locked-up” and a message directs the recipient that the FBI requires a monetary amount sent to them before their computer can be re-activated. Once the money is sent, there is currently no way of retrieving the lost funds, or of locating the source or suspect of the virus and computer message.
KCSD detectives stated they have confirmed with federal agents that they do not have any such message being sent, nor are they locking-up/seizing computers. KCSD detectives have advised that the computers are normally infected and require a computer store or expert to restore usage.
If someone receives this pop up message, detectives say the virus has already infected the computer from another source or previous email that the victim opened. They have very little knowledge of the demise that has happened upon them until it is too late.
StaceyPageOnline.com has also learned of another scam that has targeted individuals in both Kosciusko and Marshall counties in the last few weeks.
According to those who have contacted us, a caller advises a person that his/her computer is sending out a virus and needs to be fixed. The caller instructs the individual to turn on their computer and then provides specific directions. With the directions provided, the scammer is able to hack directly into the individual’s computer and access personal information including bank accounts and any other personal information stored in the computer.
Police always caution people to use common sense when receiving unsolicited phone calls or other contacts via computer. When it doubt, the best defense is to hang up or simply not open suspicious emails.