We have recently performed a number of cleanups relating to an "FBI Virus" that PCs have become inflicted with. The infection uses the FBI logo and presents a very official looking message that pirated content has been detected on the PC and the user should pay a $200 fine in order to avoid going to jail. Of course, this also locks the computer up and makes it unusable. This type of infection is known as Reveton, and essentially holds the computer 'ransom' until the user pays the fine.
We have experienced this type of infection getting past every major antivirus vendor on the market, as of early October 2012, and can be delivered simply by visiting an infected web site. Regardless, we still advise maintaining active antivirus subscriptions and *please* ensure your Windows patches are up to date. Don't forget to run those Java and Adobe updates that keep popping up!
As always, it is good practice to never provide payment information to a vendor you do not recognize or have prior experience with. Antivirus companies will never ask for payment to clean up an infection, nor will any government agency 'lock' your computer until you pay a fine.
Should you be presented with this type of infection, call your IT provider immediately for assistance. Even if you succeed in 'unlocking' your PC, the infection may still be present and working in the background to steal personal information. Read more here: http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2012/august/new-internet-scam
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