IRISH computer users have been duped out of tens of thousands of euro by one of the most sophisticated computer virus scams ever made.

The scam, dubbed the 'Garda Ukash' virus, is an Irish development of malicious software.

Computer users infect their machines with a 'trojan virus' by clicking on an apparently inoffensive email or pop-up.

In the 'Garda Ukash' case, a message appears on the computer screen warning the user that they have been illegally downloading material or viewing illegal images. They are then warned to pay a €150 fine to avoid prosecution.

It also warns the computer has been 'frozen' until the fine is paid. In dozens of cases, panicked computer users have paid the fines. But they then discover that their computer remains locked.

Gardai have warned computer users that a national police force will never make that type of contact.

"An individual will never, ever receive this kind of contact from An Garda Siochana," a garda source warned.

"If someone has paid such a fine, they need to contact their local garda station and make a complaint," he added.

Irish Independent