Caution!!!

[nofearengineer]

Guys, I just spent all day battling with a stupid computer virus.

They call it the FBI Moneypak virus.

Basically, the thing suddenly takes over your computer, locking it up and putting a fake FBI webpage on your screen. It says your ISP and the FBI have locked your computer because you have child and animal porn on it, and unless you pay them a $200 fine within 72 hours, they will start legal proceedings against you. They say that even if the stuff was on your computer against your knowledge you can get up to 10 years in prison.

I'm pretty knowledgeable about computers, but I have to admit I had never heard of this one.

This virus is a BEAST to say the least. I was unable to take it out myself, by editing my registry. I tried and tried to no avail. Maybe I'm just out of practice, but I gave up and went looking for some help. Using my laptop I downloaded several free anti-malware programs, but they didn't help either. Finally, I found "Malwarebytes". I got into "safe mode with networking" on my PC and downloaded the software. It worked like a CHARM! My computer is up and running again.

If any of you should run into this virus (or one like it) please remember www.malwarebytes.org Their free version us what I used. I may buy their upgrade out of sheer gratitude.