A new internet scam involves emails purporting to be from the police and the General Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE) and relating to illegal music downloads.
The emails contain a virus which blocks the users’ computer and asks for a €50 ‘fine’ in order to unlock the computer. The email also warns of possible criminal penalties relating to downloads and advises the user that the only way to avoid this is to pay the €50.
A similar scam relating to child pornography websites occurred recently, recipients being asked to pay €100 to avoid legal action.
Anyone who has paid the €50 is advised to denounce the matter to the police. In the meantime, keep anti-virus software up to date, don’t open attachments or links from unknown sources and generally take care when surfing.