Web users alerted over ‘police logo’ scam

INTERNET users across Yorkshire are being warned to remain vigilant as investigations continue into an online fraud.

West Yorkshire Police chiefs are advising people to be wary of the scam in which conmen are using the force logo to try and solicit cash from web surfers.

The force has been receiving more reports from people who have seen the fraud.

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Detectives are again advising residents that the police would never seek money via a website and to contact them if the scam pops up on their computer.

According to reports, the scam can affect users on any and all websites, and operates by locking computers and sending users a message claiming to be from West Yorkshire Police.

The message claims that the force has identified them as having illegal activity on the computer and that they must pay a fine which varies in amounts, by contacting an email address or telephone number and quoting a voucher code displayed on the message.

If the message does appear, the advice is to contact police straight away

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It is thought the scam has hit other areas of the country but has only just recently come to light in West Yorkshire.

Detective Inspector Fran Naughton of West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit said: “We are continuing investigations into this scam and want to remind residents to be wary of it and not to pay if they receive this message.

“This fraud is very deceiving as not only does it use convincing legal jargon, it also misuses the force crest and logo.

“If you see this message on your screen report it to us straight away and do not reply or attempt to pay.

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Work continues with other forces to locate those responsible for this fraud and I would again remind residents that no police force would ever contact residents demanding a cash fine for computer misuse.”