A computer malware variant is using Malta Police Force and Malta Police Association logos, the police warned.

They said in a statement that infected computer systems display a warning message claiming that the user’s computer had been “suspended on the grounds of unauthorised cyber activity” and that a fine has to be paid for the computer to be unblocked.

The computer may seize and documents may no longer be accessible. In almost all cases, paying the ransom does not restore the computer to its original state, the police warned.

They said that no law enforcement agency, including the police, collected fines in this manner.

“Such computer messages claiming to be from the Malta Police Force are fraudulent. Users targeted by police ransomware should not pay any money,” the police said.

They said that anyone deceived into paying the ransom money should lodge a police report providing as much information as possible – including a screenshot of the ransom message presented, payment information, details of the activity being undertaken on the computer when the ransom message appeared as well as the date and time when this happened.

The police said they have not received any reports of people who have fallen victim to this type of malware. Nevertheless, it was felt necessary to warn the public as a preventive measure.

The police issued a similar warning in January.