Protect Your Tech

‘Kids charity’ ransomware scam

What’s the threat?

A new ransomware email scam that claims it’s raising money to help sick children, hoping this cynical tactic will make victims more likely to pay.

The scam begins when the malware Cryptomix is installed on your computer. You’ll then see a message saying your data has been encrypted, and urging you to email one of the addresses listed.

If you do so, you’ll receive a reply supposedly from the ‘Worldwide Children Charity Community’ (see screenshot), pledging to spend your money on presents and medical treatment for the children. It also threatens to double the ransom if you don’t send money within 24 hours.

To tug the heartstrings, it uses the real names and photos of ill children taken from fundraising websites, describing their medical condition, and the amount they’re hoping to raise.

If you pay, you’re given more details about the charity, and told your name will be used alongside your donation – which is another lie.

How can you stay safe?

Firstly, take this vile con as more proof that no tactic is too distasteful for scammers to try. Never assume they won’t attempt a scam just because it would appall most decent-minded people.

The scammers try to deter you from using security software to unlock your files by claiming it will permanently damage your PC. This is nonsense. If you do get infected with Cryptomix, download Avast’s decryption tool (visit www.snipca. com/30310, scroll down a little, then click the orange ‘Download Cryptomix Fix’ button).

There’s no special trick to block Cryptomix in the first place - it infiltrates your PC as most malware does, through dodgy software and attachments in emails. As always, be careful what you install. It’s obvious advice, but can’t be stressed often enough.