The Estevan Police Service has received reports from computer users whose computers are being frozen, or who have been locked out of their computers.

This happens primarily after complainants receive pop-up messages warning them their computers have been associated with child pornography and illegal music downloading.

These warning messages, which claim to come from the RCMP or other Canadian government agencies, tell recipients to pay $100 via the Ukash payment service providers so their computers can be unlocked.

These types of messages, known as Ransomware, are scams designed to create shock and anxiety so that victims respond by sending money quickly. Those who receive one of these messages should be aware that:

*The Ransomware is an attempt to defraud.

*Sending money will not fix the computer, and it will remain locked.

*The police and Canadian government agencies do not hijack computers in order to obtain money. The Ransomware presence is hard evidence that a computer has been infected by malicious software, or malware, that must be dealt with.

*The recommended way to regain access to the computer is to seek the help of a computer technician who can remove the malware.

*To protect against cyber attacks, people must regularly update their software. They should have up-to-date anti-virus, spyware and firewall protection.

Anyone who receives a Ransomware message is asked to contact the Estevan Police Service at 634-4767, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

In other reports from the local police:

*Officers attended to a domestic disturbance at a residence in the south end of the city on October 15. The involved parties were spoken to, and the matter was resolved.

*A 29-year-old male was arrested and charged with impaired driving and driving while over .08, after police conducted a traffic stop due to his driving actions. He will make a court appearance November 26.