Porn virus used in bitcoin scam

SCAMMERS are planting pornographic virus alerts to sell free anti-virus software, demanding payment in bitcoin to cover their tracks.

A NEW scam involving a computer virus and a demand for payment in digital currency has hit Tasmania.

Under the scam, pornographic virus alerts pop up and the computer user is told they need to buy antivirus software. Payment is demanded in Bitcoin — a digital currency which is almost impossible to track and even harder to recover once it has been sent.

Two North-West residents have already been targeted.

They were directed to pay for the technical support they “needed” through a bitcoin transaction through a local newsagency.

Store owners who sell or deal in bitcoin or digital currency have also been warned to ensure their business is not used to launder the proceeds of crime.

Tasmania Police’s Serious Organised Crime Division is now involved.

Detective Sergeant Gen Hickman said Bitcoin transactions were mostly anonymous and while the digital currency had been around for a while, it was new to many people, especially in rural areas.

The scam starts with an adult porn image popping up on a computer.

“This image is accompanied with a message which states that your device has been infected with a virus and you should immediately ring the telephone number displayed,” Detective Hickman said.

“When you ring the number the person answering will identify themselves from a technical support area and want to assist you with your so-called virus removal.”

However, the computer images can be removed by turning the device off and restarting and the antivirus software being sold is normally available online for free.

Bitcoin is not usually used for such purposes, police said.

“The victim is directed to a local store where the Bitcoin purchase can be made,” Detective Hickman said. “Funds are then transferred digitally. The transactions are mostly anonymous and there is no back up as there would be with a credit card payment or other regulated funds transfer.

“Government agencies will not seek payment in bitcoin or other digital currencies. If you are asked to pay in Bitcoin or digital currency, you should be immediately cautious and seek help.”

Originally published as Porn virus used in bitcoin scam