ComputerWorld today reports that the UK's Metropolitan Police has warned Windows users of a malware attack that poses as a message from the computer crime-fighting cops themselves.

The ransomware attack attempts to lock the computer, and posing as an unofficial notice from a law enforcement agency, claims that the victim's PC has been determined to have visited illegal websites.

Only payment for a fine, claims the message, will restore the computer's functionality.

Various versions of the alert messages have been seen - here's one example:

Part of the poorly-worded alert reads as follows:

Attention!!!

The process of illegal activity is deleted. According to UK law and Metropolitan Police Service and Strathclyde Police investigation your computer is locked!

The following violation is detected: You IP-address "[redacted]". Forbidden websites containing pornography, child pornography, Sodomy and called violence against children on, violent material toward people were visited from this IP-address!

Moreover and e-mail spam was sent you're your computer, emails containing terroristic materials. This locking serves to stop your illegal activity.

To release a lock your computer you should pay the fine in amount of £100. In the case of ignoring the payment, the program will remove illegal materials while keeping your personal information is not guaranteed.

Of course, it's very likely that you haven't been visiting extremist websites or viewing child abuse material. That may just be the hook used by the fraudsters to trick you into taking the warning seriously.

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