UK - Pensioner shocked by child porn ransom threat

Jack Clark

Original Article

10/29/2013

A pensioner is warning other computer users to be vigilant after he was targeted by scammers trying to extort money.

Jack Clark, 74, of Fatfield, Washington, was shocked to see a message purporting to be from the police after his computer locked him out while he was researching his family history.

The message said his PC had been blocked after claiming it had been used to view child and animal pornography.

The ransomeware virus installed itself on his computer, and threatened that unless he handed over £100 to clean his PC, he could face a £250,000 fine or six years in jail.

Grandfather-of-two Mr Clark, married to Hilda, 73, said “I just couldn’t believe it.”

“I rang the police, and before I had finished explaining, the officer said ‘it’s a scam’. It was a good hour before my legs had stopped shaking.”

A police spokesman said: “We would always warn people of the dangers of anyone calling a number which pops up on their computer claiming there is a problem. Reporting anything suspicious to police is the right thing to do.”

“We always advise people never to give out any personal details – particularly bank details – out over the phone or online.”

“These are fraudsters who want to scam the owner out of cash or get access to personal details.”

He added that anyone with doubts about such calls or messages should contact the Office of Fair Trading.