FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC is Blocked Virus
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked"?
First discovered by MalwareHunterTeam, "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" is a scam message displayed by a screen-locking virus.
The message essentially states that the user has violated certain laws and must pay a "fine", otherwise arrest will follow. Be aware, however, this is a scam - cyber criminals generate revenue by abusing users' credulity.
Once infiltrated, malware locks the entire computer screen and displays a threatening message together with the FBI logo. It is stated that the user has broken certain laws, such as: 1) downloading pirated apps; 2) downloading copyrighted files; 3) watching/downloading porn, and/or; 4) watching bestiality/zoophilia. Therefore, the user is facing 10 years in jail.
In addition, all computer files have supposedly been encrypted. It goes on to state that users can avoid this sentence and restore their data simply by paying a $100 fine. This is a scam, and the FBI has nothing to do with this. This should be obvious, since paying $100 to avoid a 10 year sentence seems nonsensical.
Nevertheless, cyber criminals generate thousands of dollars revenue by tricking users into paying - the are many gullible users of the internet who are scared by these threats.
You should ignore these messages and certainly do not submit any payments - in doing so, you will support cyber criminals' malicious businesses. Remember that governments do not deal with criminals by locking their computer screens and remotely asking them to pay fines.
| Name | "FBI - Your PC is Blocked" virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are dozens scams similar to "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" including Product Key Has Expired, Notice From Microsoft Corporation, and Your Windows Has Been Banned - these are just some examples from many.
The messages may differ (some claim that the system is damaged or not activated, others state that the user has violated laws, and so on), however, they all have an identical purpose: to extort money from unsuspecting users.
If you experience these infections, never attempt to contact anyone via the email addresses provided or telephone numbers, and certainly do not submit any payments.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
At time of research, "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" was mainly distributed under disguise of "Fortnite Modded Client" or "GTA Money Generator". Both of these are presented as legitimate applications that ease Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto gameplay (these cheating tools supposedly allow users to generate in-game currency free of charge).
Rather than receiving any real value, however, users simply end up infecting their systems.
Note that this is a rather unusual way to proliferate malware. In most cases, screenlockers are distributed using spam emails (infectious attachments), unofficial download sources (peer-to-peer [P2P] networks, freeware download websites, free file hosting websites, etc.), fake software updaters, and trojans.
Malicious attachments typically come in the format of JavaScript files or MS Office documents. Once opened, these files execute scripts that download and install malware. Third party download sources proliferate viruses by presenting them as legitimate software (users simply end up downloading and installing malware).
Fake updaters infect the system in two ways: 1) by exploiting outdated software bugs/flaws or; 2) simply downloading and installing malware rather than updates. Trojans open "backdoors" for other viruses to infiltrate the system.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading/installing/updating software and browsing the Internet in general. Be sure that you use legitimate software and download it from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party download/installation tools often include rogue apps, and thus should never be used.
Furthermore, keep installed applications up-to-date. To achieve this, use implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer only.
Carefully analyze each received email attachment. If the file is irrelevant or has been sent by a suspicious email address, it should never be opened. In addition, we recommend that you have a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running.
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior - the key to safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PUPs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
"FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" scam message:
Your PC is Blocked
What happened to my PC?
Your PC has been blocked by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation after they have found you have been doing one of the following things of the Internet: Watching or Downloading Porn, Watching Zoophilia or Bestiality, Downloading Pirated Apps or Downloading Copyrighted files. Please note that all your recent activates have been recorded. To avoid a 10 year jail sentence in your local county jail and to unlock your PC, you must pay a fine of $100. If you try to shutdown your PC or close this message you could face a 10 year jail sentence in your local County Jail!
Will I be scammed?
No we can assure you we would never scam you. The U.S. government does secure payments using Visa Giftcards. Visa Giftcards are used because of terrorist activity and hackers trying to steal information. For your safety and security this payment method must be used.
Payment Steps
1. Go to your local supermarket with cash and buy a $100 Visa Giftcard.
2. Open your card and find your Card Number, Expiration and CVT Code.
3. Then Look at the bottom right of your screen to find your Support Code
4. Send your Card Number, Expiration, CVC code and your support code to the following email address: guy587606@gmail.com
5. You will receive your unlock code within the next 72 hours.
Screenshot of executables ("Fortnite Modded Client" and "GTA Money Generator") distributing "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" screenlocker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked"?
- STEP 1. "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" virus removal using System Restore.
"FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some viruses disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated.
For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - Your PC Is Blocked" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
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