Threat Database Fake Error Messages 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' Fake Pop-up Message

'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' Fake Pop-up Message

By Sumo3000 in Fake Error Messages

The 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message is a version of a notorious WinLocker that is targeted towards people living in the United Kingdom. While the Association of Police Officers – Internet Watch Foundation does exist, this fake message has absolutely nothing to do with this legitimate police association. In fact, this law enforcement branch is actually meant to fight infections and scams such as the 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message itself! Like most variants of the 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message, this ransomware threat tries to extort a fifty British pound fee from the victim, using the UKASH money transfer service for payment. Due to clues in this malware's code and because of previous versions of the 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message, ESG  security researchers suspect that this WinLocker was created in Ukraine. ESG security researchers strongly recommend that you ignore any warnings contained in the 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message. Instead of following its instructions, ESG security researchers suggest booting Windows in Safe Mode and removing this malware threat with the help of a reliable anti-malware application.
 

Understanding the 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' Fake pop-up message Scam

The 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message is part of an online scam designed to prey on inexperienced computer users. This message claims that the victim's computer has been used in illegal activities and that, unless the fine is paid, the contents of the victim's hard drive will be sent to law enforcement officials and then deleted completely. To add to its authenticity, variants of the 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message use logos for the various law enforcement agencies throughout the European Union. There are variants of this fake message corresponding to most of the major countries in the European Union, following almost the same procedure. All versions of the 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message:

  1. Claim to come from a legitimate law enforcement association (and use the logos of the corresponding entity).
  2. Threaten to delete the victim's hard drive and block access to the victim's own computer.
  3. Claim that the victim must transfer a specific fine using the UKASH money transfer service.

ESG security researchers assure you that the 'ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS' fake pop-up message has absolutely no way to delete your hard drive, contact law enforcement or follow up on any of its claims.

1 Comment

Great insight! That's the answer we've been looknig for.

Trending

Most Viewed

Loading...