Computer Scam Hits Missouri

A computer scam is making its way around Missouri, trying to con people out of money.The Boone County Sheriff’s Cyber Crimes Task Force says a screen will appear on the victim’s computer telling them it’s been locked by the FBI, because of illegal downloads.The computer will lock up and try to con people into paying a $200 fine by obtaining a “MoneyPak” card. In reality, the money is actually transferred to the suspects through prepaid debit cards.”This money is eventually being diverted to prepaid credit cards that people can buy,” said Andy Anderson of the Cyber Crimes Task Force. “That money will be loaded on these credit cards, which makes it virtually non-traceable.”Even though the screen will give instructions on how to unlock the computer, investigators say you should unplug the computer. Mid-Missouri officials say they have received eight calls about this issue in less than five months. They believe only one person has actually lost money, but they are sure more people nationally and locally have fallen victim to the scam.