By Stewart Tongue

YNOT – A month after virus researchers warned computer users to be wary, a scam threatening victims with criminal penalties unless they pay a bogus fine continues to spread.

The scam, called FBI MoneyPak, sometimes begins with a link received via email; in other cases, users have reported watching videos on trusted websites when their computers locked up. The next thing they knew, their screens were commandeered by an official-looking FBI seal and a message stating they’d been caught watching “illegal porn,” downloading pirated content or distributing malware.

The message demands victims pay a $200 “fine” via MoneyPak pre-paid card within 72 hours in order to avoid criminal prosecution and unlock their machines. For good measure, the virus takes control of the webcam on computers so equipped and claims to send a video feed to the FBI.

According to reports, even paying the ransom does not unlock compromised machines. For that, novice users need professional help — at a cost of about another $200.

Authorities have not tracked down the perpetrators, but up-to-date antivirus software and operating system patches will protect most users. Antivirus pros suggest end-users avoid known “bad neighborhoods” on the internet, take care when clicking links on social networks and in email, and never assume correspondence is from law enforcement without verifying the message by contacting the agency directly.