Police virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Police virus is a type of ransomware that has been aggressively spreading around and locking users' computers
Police virus is responsible for viewing fake alert on victim's computer desktop or web browser. The machine is completely disabled for invented user's activities on the web that are said to be illegal.
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 |
|
Distribution | Spam email attachments, malicious websites |
Elimination | Use Reimage or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes 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 virus is a screen locking program disguising itself as law enforcement agency.
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 Reimage 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.


Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'

Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'

Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'

Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'

When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'

Select your restore point and click 'Next'

Click 'Yes' and start system restore
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 is a scam seeking to mislead users into thinking that they acted illegally on the web by downloading torrent files or viewing pornography.
Police virus elimination require reputable tools
To remove Police virus, you need to employ proper tools that are designed for terminating malware. Reimage or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes 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.
To remove Police virus, follow these steps:
Remove Police using Safe Mode with Networking
Try rebooting your system in Safe Mode with Networking to disable Police virus and get rid of this scam:
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove Police
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Police removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove Police using System Restore
System Restore feature also might help when dealing with Police virus:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Police. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Police and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
References
- ^ JAMES HETHERINGTON. MAN VIEWING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY MISTAKES COMPUTER VIRUS FOR REAL FBI WARNING, IMMEDIATELY TURNS HIMSELF INTO POLICE. News Week. Provides in-depth analysis, news and opinion about international issues, technology, business, culture and politics.
- ^ UdenVirus. UdenVirus. Spyware news.
- ^ Landelijke Eenheid. International police investigation leads to the arrest of Romanian ransomware suspects. Politie.nl.