Penalty Notice virus (Removal Instructions)

What is Penalty Notice virus?

Penalty Notice virus threatens to fine and imprison the computer user for crimes one has never committed

Penalty Notice virus is malicious software, which is sometimes called as scareware, but generally, it belongs to ransomware category. There are numerous variants of this virus, including FBI virus, or even versions for mobile devices, for example, Police Locker that targets Android devices. All these viruses are created to scare the computer user, block his or hers device, and demand ransom in exchange for access to the device. Typically, Penalty Notice ransomware viruses accuse the victim of violating a certain law and say that the infringement can incur criminal liability such as an enormous fine or even imprisonment. However, such viruses offer a “compromise” – the victim pays a smaller fine, or a “bribe” within 24 hours, and this settles the case out of court. Clearly, the penal system doesn’t work this way, but scared users might believe in such scam. Nowadays, more and more victims fall for these scams and pay ransoms, which is disappointing. The majority of such viruses are simply screen locker and not crypto-trojans, so victims simply need to remove Penalty Notice virus to get rid of the annoying message on the screen. There are various names of this virus that malware analysts use to describe such viruses, for example, Ransoc virus or Notice of Imposition of Fine virus.

Penalty Notice virus launches a full-screen window that looks like a real message from legal authorities. This virus provides fake penalty details, asks the user to pay $100 until the specified date, and informs the victim about content that was ostensibly found on the system:

1. Child sexual abuse materials – $200,000/40 years in prison;
2. Materials that violate the intellectual property rights – $150,000 per instance;
3. Suspicious activity – $100,000/10 years in jail.

To make the message even more convincing and scary, criminals insert a picture of a fake camera pointing at victim’s screen with a message that says “All activity of this PC is being recorded using video, audio, and other devices. Saved data will be used for identification and will be sent to government agencies.” Later on, the message gets even more suspicious. It says that the victim now must pay the penalty within 3 hours since the receipt of the alert. What is more, the virus promises to refund the money to the victim if one does not get caught for the same infringements again within 180 days. Clearly, it is a scam, and victims should not believe what this phony message says.

In November 2016, another version of this screen locker has emerged, and this one is dubbed Ransoc (Ransom+Social) ransomware. This virus is more sophisticated because it implements a little research on the compromised computer before actually displaying the penalty notice. The virus checks user’s social media accounts, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Skype, and also Torrent software if the victim has it on the computer. What is interesting is that this malware variant actually checks the computer system for files associated with child pornography and files downloaded via Torrent software. The virus customizes the Notice of Imposition of Fine screen based on what it finds and accuses the victim of infringements made. To enhance the effect, the virus inserts profile pictures taken from victim’s social media profiles, urges to pay a fine of $500 to settle the case out of court, and threatens to publish data collected from user’s computer, and send the case straight to the court. If the victim clicks a certain button to pay the ransom, he/she gets redirected to a page that asks to enter credit card details, personal information, and other sensitive data. Speaking of such viruses, it is quite unusual to ask the victim to pay the ransom with a credit card and not via Bitcoin payment system. Again, this ransomware is nothing but a program that covers your computer with a screen, and to remove Penalty Notice virus, you need to follow instructions provided at the end of this post. For Penalty Notice removal, we suggest using the FortectIntego software.

How did I get infected with this screen-locking ransomware?

Reportedly, this malware spreads via malware-laden ads that can be encountered on adult-oriented Internet pages. Victims can also accidentally install this virus along bogus software updates, or received via email. Apparently, this virus is more sophisticated than typical ransomware viruses; however, its distribution techniques hardly differ from standard malware delivery methods. To prevent its infiltration, set up a shield on your computer with anti-malware software, avoid clicking on too-good-to-be-true ads, also banners and pop-ups that emerge on pornographic content sites, and do not install software updates or browser plug-ins from websites that are unfamiliar to you.

Penalty Notice virus removal

If you are ready for Penalty Notice removal, firstly please carefully read instructions provided under this post. You need to start your PC in a Safe Mode with Networking to use the anti-malware tool. We strongly suggest using FortectIntego software, but you can use any other reputable anti-malware software that you want. Do not waste any time and remove Penalty Notice virus right now – open these instructions on your phone or on other computer and carefully follow them.