Computer owners in porn scam warning
Police are urging computer users in Shropshire to be on guard against a scam which tells them they have to pay a fine to unlock their screens for allegedly logging on to indecent websites.
Messages have started flashing up on computer screens falsely claiming users have been looking at websites involving children and pornography and ordering them to pay £100 online to unlock the computer.
But police have said the messages are part of a scam and have warned people not to make any payment and to report incidents to Trading Standards officers.
It comes after an incident in Bridgnorth where 12-year-old Becky Grubb found her computer suddenly locked and a message on her screen demanding payment.
Her mother, Anita, said she reported the matter to the police on Tuesday and they told her it was scam.
She said: "My daughter Becky became hysterical after a message appeared on the screen claiming she must pay £100 to unlock her computer, or she would get a criminal record.
"I took the computer off her and rang the police who told me it was a scam.
"The computer is still completely locked because I'm waiting for someone to look at it properly.
"Every time we turn it back on it brings up a message saying we have been involved in some sort of criminal activity, involving children and pornograpy. We feel is important to let people know about this.
"My daughter was worried it could happen to someone even younger, or someone who might have not an adult present at the time.
"It's not aimed a kids, it's completely random. It can happen to anyone at any time.
"Becky feels better now because she knows something is being done about it."
Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said any such demands for payment which suddenly appeared on a computer screen should be treated with deep suspicion.
He said: "Do not make any payment and if concerned, report the matter to the police or to Trading Standards.
"Likewise do not give out any bank account or other personal details in response to computer or phone messages from strangers. Always be aware who you are talking to."
People affected can call police on 101.
