A computer malware was misusing the police force’s logo, the police have said.

Known as “police ransomware”, the virus displays a warning message claiming the user’s computer is “suspended on the grounds of unauthorised cyber activity” and that a fine has to be paid for the computer to be unblocked.

The user would notice that the computer had seized up or documents were no longer accessible. In almost all cases, paying the ransom did not restore the computer to its original state, the police warned.

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

Anyone tricked into paying the ransom should file a police report providing as much information as possible.