MARQUETTE -- The Marquette City Police are warning residents about a new computer scam.
It's a virus on the internet that carries a fake message from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
It says the computer has been identified by the FBI as having been associated with child pornography sites or other illegal online activity. To unlock the machine, the message says you have to pay a fine using a prepaid money card service.
Police say do not pay any money or give out personal information. You must have a computer professional unlock your computer.
"Once your computer gets locked up and banners like the pop-up, there's a possibility, because it's a virus, your information can be stolen whether it's passwords or pin numbers or bank account information," said Detective Mike Kohler of the Marquette City Police. "So, it can really lead to a number of problems if you do not watch what you're opening up or downloading."
Several cases have been reported in the Marquette area, but police have not heard about anyone losing money yet. For more information on this virus click here.