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The fake message with the FBI seal locks the useras computer screen and claims the user illegally downloaded something.

(Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When the IRS and FBI come knocking at your door, they mean business.

Which is why a caller to the Advance this week was in a near panic when he realized his computer was locked with an intimidating FBI alert emblazoned across his PC screen.

The warning accused him of some sort of copyright infringement or illegal downloading and said he needed to pay $475 to unlock his computer and keep from being charged with a crime.

Removing the 'FBI' virus

If you do not feel comfortable working with your computer's command-line window, you should consider having the repairs done by a professional.

Every situation is slightly different, so the success of this procedure to unlock your hijacked computer is not guaranteed. Follow them at your own risk.

First, go to another PC that has an Internet connection and follow these the steps:

1. Download a reputable anti-malware program, such as Spy Hunter, Defender Pro Ultimate Security Suite or Malwarebytes Anti Malware.

2. Update the program's anti-spyware library and store the program on a USB drive or simple CD.

3. Insert the USB drive or CD in the infected machine, then reboot it. When the reboot begins, hold down the F8 key before the Windows logo appears, then choose Safe Mode with command prompt

4. Launch the anti-virus software you stored on your USB drive or CD and run a full system scan.

Source: 2-spyware.com

"Should I pay the fine?" the caller asked.

"No," was the good news.

The bad news is that the caller was merely the latest victim in a global Internet scam -- the so-called "FBI Virus" -- that gets into your computer and preys on fear in order to separate you from the money in your wallet.

The fake message with the FBI seal locks the user's computer screen and claims the user illegally downloaded something.

Then, almost like a ransom demand, the user is given an ultimatum to pay a fine to unlock the computer and stay out of jail.

"It will hold the computer basically hostage," FBI Special Agent Vicki Anderson told newsnet5.com of the international ruse.

Last month, an Ohio woman reported to police and the real FBI that the scam took a shocking turn when the computer virus took over her web cam, took her picture and then used her photo on the fake FBI alert.

"It can also take over the cyber-cam that's connected to that computer and will snap a picture of the individual that's using that computer," Special Agent Anderson says.

If you get a message from the so-called FBI cyber-crime department, your computer was probably infected with a "ransomware" virus likely from clicking on an unfamiliar e-mail or shady website.

According to 2-spyware.com, the bogus FBI virus "is a sneaky malware, which mostly gets inside its target computer undetected with a help of Trojan.LockScreen."

The infection gets inside the system through security vulnerabilities found when the user visits infected websites or downloads infected files, according to 2-spyware.com.

"These security holes appear as soon as you forget to take care of your computer's security and don't use security software or don't update it," the website notes. "The biggest issue, which is caused by this 'ransomware,' is that similarly to its earlier versions, it completely blocks its victim's computer, 'locks' it and disables all the programs found there."

As soon as it gets inside, the scam takes off and the bells and whistles begin.

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Everyone surfs the web, so it's not hard to believe why the average computer user might panic when he or she sees the iconic FBI logo with a claim that the computer is blocked because of some ominous misdeed.

There are different variations of the virus claiming to be the FBI -- complete with nasty allegations -- all meant to scare you into forking over your cash.

But in many cases, a simple solution to unlock your computer can be found via online, your computer support or a local tech business.

"Some people have fallen for paying that fee and others have paid that fee and their computer unlocks, but the virus isn't gone," Special Agent Anderson told newsnet5.com. "So don't pay that fee and take the computer to someone reputable that can clean it for you."

The bottom line?

If this should happen to you, take a deep breath and use your common sense.

You already know if the FBI is after you.

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