The IC3 has been made aware of a new Citadel malware platform used to deliver
ransomware, named Reveton. The ransomware lures the victim to a drive-by
download website, at which time the ransomware is installed on the user’s
computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning
the user they have violated United States federal law. The message further
declares the user’s IP address was identified by the Computer Crime and
Intellectual Property Section as visiting child pornography and other illegal
content.
To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a $100 fine to the U.S.
Department of Justice using prepaid money card services. The geographic location
of the user’s IP address determines what payment services are offered. In
addition to the ransomware, the Citadel malware continues to operate on the
compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card
fraud.
This is an attempt to extort money with the additional possibility of the
victim’s computer being used to participate in online bank fraud. If you have
received this or something similar, do not follow payment instructions.
It is suggested that you contact your banking institution and file a
complaint at www.ic3.gov.
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