Woman targeted by scam
KEITH COUSINS/Staff writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 3 months AGO
COEUR d'ALENE - A 91-year-old Coeur d'Alene woman who was attempting to play a radio program on her laptop Friday morning was targeted by an online scam.
Betty Reed said she asked her daughter, Cindy Oberholtzer, to help her get the radio program to play. Oberholtzer couldn't get the show to play and the two left the laptop.
When they returned, a message was on the laptop screen, supposedly from the United States Department of Justice.
"The work of your computer has been suspended on the grounds of the violation of the law of the United States of America," the message read.
The message went on to state that Reed's computer had been recorded and lists possible violations as child pornography, copyright infringement or possessing unlicensed software.
It then stated that Reed owes a $300 fine in order to "unlock your computer and avoid legal consequences." The "fine" is supposed to be sent using a Green Dot MoneyPak.
"It's frightening," Reed said of the message.
Oberholtzer attempted to turn off her computer in the hopes that the message would disappear, but it was unsuccessful. Removing the battery pack and turning the laptop back on didn't work either.
"I feel awful," Oberholtzer said. "It makes you wonder if the cops are coming to your door or something."
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the scam Reed's computer was exposed to is known as a "drive-by" virus. Unlike traditional viruses that activate when a user opens a file or attachment, the "drive-by" virus can install itself when users click on a compromised website.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center gave the following advice to computer users who experience an attack:
* Do not pay any money or provide any personal information.
* Contact a computer professional to remove the virus from your computer.
* Be aware that even if you are able to unfreeze your computer on your own, the malware may still operate in the background. Certain types of malware have been known to capture personal information such as user names, passwords, and credit card numbers through embedded keystroke logging programs.
* File a complaint and look for updates about the Reveton virus on the IC3 website.
MORE IMPORTED STORIES
ARTICLES BY KEITH COUSINS/STAFF WRITER
Prairie View student wins Idaho 2016 Braille Challenge
POST FALLS — The tears streaming down Emma Erckenbrack's face Tuesday could not mask the sheer joy and brightness the Prairie View Elementary student exuded after hearing the surprise announcement.
Handelman's contract extended
Cd’A schools superintendent gets another year, raise
COEUR d'ALENE — Only one Coeur d'Alene School District trustee Monday night voted against adding a year, and a raise, to Superintendent Matt Handelman's contract.
Pendleton pleads guilty to grand theft
Post Falls man stole funds from a couple’s joint bank account
COEUR d'ALENE — A Post Falls man pleaded guilty Tuesday to grand theft in connection to the fraudulent use of a couple's ATM card.