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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Ransomware
  • Windows
  • Verified · Aug 2018

How to remove Police virus

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Jake Doevan · Computer technology expert

Police virus is a type of ransomware that has been aggressively spreading around and locking users' computers

Police virus 

Police virus is a ransomware-type computer infection that displays a huge alert pretending to be a form of governmental authorities. This alert locks the computer screen or web browser and keeps the victim off from using the device. Police ransomware has been actively infecting computer users since the end of 2011. The main thing this virus does is claiming that the user has been involved in the distribution of various illegal content. Additionally, it demands to pay a ransom fee by using PaySafeCard, Moneypak, and other vouchers. The activity of this virus started in the United Kingdom, but, at the moment of writing, it is actively spreading in Sweden, Poland, Germany, Romania, Denmark and other world's countries. The virus can be seen either on Windows, Android and Mac devices.[1]

Name Police virus
Type Ransomware
Symptoms Displays alerts about illegal user's activity, locks the device, demands the ransom
Versions
  • IPA virus;
  • EU Police virus;
  • Metropolitan Police Total Policing virus;
  • FBI virus;
  • Canadian Security Intelligence Service;
  • PCeU virus;
  • Metropolitan virus;
  • Virus Bundespolizei.
Distribution Spam email attachments, malicious websites
Elimination Use FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for Police virus removal

Police virus is categorized as ransomware because of its ability to lock the device and the money extortion aspect. In all these years, this virus has reappeared with many versions having the same goal – to make users pay a fine in the form of Ukash, Moneypak or Paysafecard voucher. These fake messages are allegedly sent from various government associations or organizations, like police or FBI. 

According to experts,[2] this is a pure scam, and you shouldn't be paying any attention to these warning messages. People behind this ransomware are not going to recover the access to the device once you send them codes of the vouchers. By using the names of government organizations and claiming that people did something illegal, scammers are trying to increase their money. Fortunately, you can remove Police virus by using a special guide provided at the end of this post. Be sure that you do not pay the demanded money.

There is no certain information if this program could steal users' personal information or remove important data from the device. However, cybercriminals can change their tactics and make them more dangerous than we think. This program locks the screen completely, so you might be convinced that now your PC is useless. After that, the victim is disabled from getting online, reaching Task manager or any other application.

Police-themed virus

After the alert, claiming you did something illegal, appears on the screen, you may get a message with the demanded amount of money. Criminals use Ukash or Paysafecard for money transactions because these online services make it difficult to track the people behind the program. 

The message may be written in a different language, depending on the targeted country and location. These alerts may look very legitimate, and information on the screen looks similar to official messages from the government. Also, these alerts immediately from the start contain information about the payment methods. Amount differs from alert to alert. 

You need to perform Police virus removal as soon as you receive the alert because it is not that harmless as it may appear. Ransomware is one of the most dangerous types of viruses. You need to use anti-malware tools for the virus elimination because this is the safest and the quickest way to get rid of them.

Programs like FortectIntego can scan your system, detect the malware and all related pieces. These tools can also work as a good addition to your antivirus program later on. Anti-malware removes existing and blocks potential cyber infections.

 Police virus ransomware

Malicious script is hidden in suspicious emails and websites

This virus is a ransomware that has a common spreading method through phishing emails.[3] These attachments may have safe looking files with macro-viruses and the minute you download and open the document on your computer you get an infection that causes malicious activity on your system. Researchers note that you need to pay more attention to grammar or typo mistakes on the emails from unknown senders. You should never open on download files from services you don't use or people you don't know.

Note that malware can be spread via hacked websites that contain malicious scripts and use security vulnerabilities found on the computer. Malicious script can be hidden under the browser extension, free online malware scanning tools or a direct link from the email or other websites. You can also get infected with this ransomware after downloading fake video/audio codec, torrent file, and other downloads. That's why it's highly recommended making sure that your installed security applications are up-to-date, and you are always following safe browsing practices.

Police virus scam

Police virus elimination require reputable tools 

To remove Police virus, you need to employ proper tools that are designed for terminating malware. FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes should work perfectly. These programs are trustworthy and can detect, remove, and block various types of malware. The full system scan is needed when dealing with ransomware-type infections because silent intrusion can mean that additional pieces were installed on your device. 

Police virus removal is important because your system can be affected further. Anti-malware tools make this process easier because you only need to follow their suggestions, make several clicks and get rid of malicious files. Also, we have a few options down below for you to disable Police ransomware from blocking you. If the virus has locked your web browser, you should cancel it and get rid of the fake warning. 

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