[X4U] FBI Ransom Scam

[Randy B. Singer]

There is a new, fairly common scam going around. Though it is alarming to encounter, it isn't as big a deal as it seems at first.

You will visit a site, and you will get a message saying that your browser has been disabled by the FBI, and unless you pay a ransom you won't get functionality back. You will find that you apparently can't regain control of your browser.

The message does not come from the FBI, and paying the ransom won't help. The good news is that no malicious software has been downloaded onto your Macintosh, and it is fairly easy to regain control of your browser.

See:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57593943-263/how-to-tackle-javascript-based-ransomware-sites/

In most cases you can simply switch to the Finder, choose Force Quit from the Apple menu, and force quit your browser.

If you are using Safari you should choose Reset Safari from the Safari menu while within Safari.

This is not a "virus", and indeed there is no software that has been downloaded to your computer. Reset Safari and you are entirely good.


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Randy B. Singer
Co-author of The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th, and 6th editions)

Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance
http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html
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