14 DAY TRIAL // Back in July, researchers from Malwarebytes warned that cybercriminals were using browser-based JavaScript ransomware to trick OS X users into paying a so-called fine. Experts say the threat is still doing the rounds.
According to Malwarebytes’ Jerome Segura, the latest version of the scheme is designed to earn more money for the cybercrooks.
After users pay $300 (€222) to have their browsers unlocked, a second screen is displayed asking for an additional $450 (€333) that’s allegedly needed to have criminal records deleted.
“IMPORTANT: Entering the same MoneyPak code that was used at previous step will not delete your criminal records from FBI base. If you want to delete all criminal records you need to enter another $450 Moneypak code,” victims are told.
This means that the cybercriminals can make as much as $750 (€555) from a single victim.
It’s worth noting that the ransomware lock screen is different based on the victim’s location. However, the second ransom demand is displayed for all of the targeted countries.
This particular ransomware is easy to remove, so don't pay the fine!