Connecticut warns of Internet scam with FBI 'fine'

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut officials are warning about an Internet virus that claims to impose a federal fine.

Attorney General George Jepsen said his office has received complaints from consumers that have been targeted by the scam.

An email that claims to be from the FBI contains a link that downloads and installs a virus. The virus locks the computer and displays a message that federal law has been violated and that the computer was identified by the FBI as illegally viewing child pornography and other unlawful content.

The message then demands a fine through a prepaid money card.

Jepsen and Consumer Protection Commissioner William Rubenstein say the virus also could be used for online banking and credit card fraud.