Have you been contacted by someone saying they have hacked into their computers?

Do they have pictures taken from a webcam and/or a list of the member of their passwords?

Possibly claiming that they have affected your computer with a Trojan virus?

Are they asking for a ransom reward, often in the cryptocurrency bitcoin?

Action: Do Not Respond

If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it:

• to the police by calling 101
• to Action Fraud online(external link opens in a new window / tab)
• by calling 0300 123 2040

How to avoid being scammed

Remember:

• make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus software
• change passwords regularly
• don't use the same password
• try to make your password complex by using a mixture of upper and lower case letters, symbols and numbers
• never pay the ransom – contact police