VicPD is asking the public to not to contact them in the event of ransomware on their computer.
Police have seen a spike in the reported email scam, where recipients are ordered to pay a fine or else be subject to criminal charges for visiting pornographic or downloading websites.
The threat is fabricated, and should be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-800-495-8501.
“If you have received this email and paid the money requested, then you should contact VicPD or your local police department,” Const. Mike Russell said.
To learn more about ransomware, visit the RCMP’s computer fraud warning website at bit.ly/UZsd6Z.
