Quick Answer: Computer warning scams claiming to be from the Department of Justice are fake ransomware attacks designed to steal money from victims. The Justice Department operates a ransomware hotline at (202) 353-0708 to help victims remove the virus and file complaints at www.ic3.gov.
A computer virus that locks up personal computers, and then issues a demand for money from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Courts, is a scam and has no link to the courts or other federal agencies. The virus locks up computers and warns users that they face criminal prosecution unless they pay a fee.
Victims should contact the Justice Department “ransomware hotline,” which provides details about the scam and urges victims to file a federal complaint. The hotline number is (202) 353-0708.
According to the Justice Department hotline, “The message from your computer is a scam. Your computer is infected with a computer virus, created by criminals who are attempting to take your money. It is these criminals, and not the Department of Justice, that have locked your computer.”
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The hotline informs callers that they must remove the virus to regain function of their computer, and urges callers to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, at www.ic3.gov.
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To reduce the risk of being a victim, computer owners should keep all system software updated; use current anti-virus and anti-spyware software; deploy a local firewall; visit only trusted sites on the Internet; and not click on any link received via email from an unknown source.
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