A new e-mail scam is doing its rounds in the Emirates, fooling unsuspecting computer users of their hard-earned cash.
Abu Dhabi Police urges residents to beware of email messages warning users that their computers are ‘blocked for violating copyright law’.
The message states that the particular computer has been blocked because it is involved in the distribution of copyright content, which is punishable under law. The user can escape punishments provided they transfer specific amounts of money to a certain account under the ‘CashU’ online payment system within 72 hours, the police added.
Abu Dhabi Police Operations Room has received several complaints from people who have received the bogus message that reads, ‘Attention, Your PC is blocked’, said Colonel Ibrahim Sultan Al Zaabi, Deputy Director, CID, Abu Dhabi Police.
The malware is also allegedly spread by clicking on virus-infected attachments. Officials urge residents to download anti-virus software that is automatically updated and avoid using restricted and suspicious sites.
Colonel Zaabi also added that the bogus software used also has the potential to click pictures of the computer user.