The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a computer virus and scam that sheriff officials said has affected hundreds in the region.
“We’ve received several reports of citizens getting a pop-up on their computer,” Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.
The pop-up displays a FBI seal with a statement implying the person was attempting to access child pornography, Ehsanipoor said.
The pop-up also tells the person they are required to pay $200 via MoneyPak within 48 hours or the person will be arrested and face a five year sentence, along with placement on the sex offender registry.
“This seal looks official to most people and your computer will be locked,” Ehsanipoor said. “The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is taking a proactive stance on advising the public of this scam and is also offering to attempt to fix the computers of those who have been affected in our area free of cost.”
The sheriff’s office has been in contact with the FBI and the bureau has confirmed several reports as well as from several surrounding agencies.
Ehsanipoor said it has not been determined how the virus is contracted or what sites may be affected.
Anyone with additional questions or information can contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 912-754-3449.