FBI computer virus sweeping across nation

There’s a nasty computer virus going around that shocks users by putting on the screen a claim that the FBI and the federal government has taken control of the computer because it has been linked to illegal activity.

Further, it controls the computer’s Web camera and makes it look like an image of the user is being streamed to the government.

“It is scary. The first time we saw it we jumped back and said, ‘Hey, what is going on?’” Alex Diaz, with Top Tech Experts, told KTRK-TV in Houston.

The latest wave of attacks has hit the Republican National Convention in Tampa, where numerous computer users lined up at computer centers for help removing the malicious software.

Diaz told the Houston station the new FBI scam tries to convince users that they have done something wrong and have been caught.

It then demands that the user purchase a pre-paid debit card for $200 and enter the card number so the “fine” can be paid and the computer unlocked.

“With anything that you see with FBI warnings, you want to be alarmed and read it properly, but do not send any money,” Diaz advised the station. “The FBI is not taking money from you, or wanting any money from you in that manner.”