Abu Dhabi Police warned citizens and residents against falling prey to online financial fraud, by receiving fake notification emails stating that their computers have been blocked for violating the “Copyright Law”. The messages state that the computer is involved in the distribution of copyrighted content, punishable by law, and demand the transfer of specific amounts of money to unknown destinations in the form of the “CashU” online payment mode, to unlock the computer and avoid referral to the competent authorities.
“Internet users must be careful when receiving such bogus messages, asking them to upgrade protection on their computers by downloading anti-virus software automatically updated, and avoid accessing restricted and suspicious sites”, added Abu Dhabi Police.
The Operations Room at Abu Dhabi police had received numerous calls from people complaining about seeing an “ATTENTION! Your PC is blocked!” notification message on their computers, stating that they are blocked, and asking them to pay a fine in the form of a “CashU” code to unknown parties outside the country.
The Security Media Department at the General Secretariat of His Highness Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior’s Office had broadcasted through the social networking sites, namely “Facebook”, “Twitter”, and “Google Plus”, tips and guidelines for individuals; urging them to protect their computers by using automatically updated accredited software and avoiding websites providing easily downloadable pirated material.
Colonel Ibrahim Sultan Al Zaabi, Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Abu Dhabi Police indicated that the complaints received by the police report the appearance of a notification on their PCs warning them that they are blocked. Furthermore, he pointed out that the malware is also propagated by clicking on infected attachments, which causes the virus to penetrate the device directly. It is noteworthy that the virus has also the capability of accessing the installed webcam, which shows the computer user. “This image appears alongside the message claiming violation of copyright laws, asking the user pay a non-existing fine in the form of a ‘CashU’ code to unlock the computer”, added Colonel Al Zaabi.
Furthermore, he noted that most messages address PC users directly telling them: (You have violated copyright Laws on video, music, and software; and illegally used or distributed copyrighted contents). It also tricks them into believing that they have violated articles of the UAE Penal Code, asking them to pay the fines within 72 hours. “Should the time period end without paying; a criminal case will be automatically filed against you within 72 hours,” states the message.
The fraudulent message also states: “When you pay the fine, your PC will be unlocked within one to 72 hours after depositing the money in the account”.
Colonel Al Zaabi indicated that such crimes falls within the online fraudulent schemes to obtain funds illegally; noting that most countries around the world face this widespread problem that affects users of the Web. “Such wrongful practices must be addressed by raising awareness and acquainting individuals with means of protecting their PCs against cybercrimes to avoid falling prey to such crimes”.
He urged Internet users to deal very carefully with emails requesting them to transfer amounts of money to destinations, calling on them to activate e-mail filters and software protection to reduce and get rid of Spam messages and emails.
He advised residents and c