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Scammers claim lawsuit, infect computers [Beaver County Times, Pa. :: ](Beaver County Times (PA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) April 05--BEAVER -- A new computer scam has turned up in Beaver County. District Attorney Anthony Berosh said a resident reported that she received an email that claimed she had been sued in Common Pleas Court. The email said the woman was scheduled for an upcoming court date and had to appear with any necessary witnesses. The email stated that for further details she should click on the attachment. Berosh said when the woman clicked on the attachment, her computer was infected with a virus. Beaver County Prothonotary Nancy Werme said the courts do not send email notifications for lawsuits or court hearings. She said paperwork is sent through the mail or served by a sheriff deputy. The FBI website refers to this type of scam as a "drive-by" virus where the malware is activated when the user clicks on an attachment or opens a file. Another version of the scam tells the receiver he or she has been fined by the FBI, and the receiver is instructed to pay the fine using a prepaid money card, according to the website. Anyone who receives these types of emails should not click on any attachments or links, should not provide any information and should report the scam to the authorities. Scams can be reported to the FBI through its website at www.fbi.gov. Details on the various online scams are also available through the FBI website. ___ (c)2014 the Beaver County Times (Beaver, Pa.) Visit the Beaver County Times (Beaver, Pa.) at www.timesonline.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |