POLICE are warning residents to be wary of internet scams following two incidents in Uttlesford in the last month.

In both incidents the victim’s computer screen was locked whilst surfing the internet by a pop-up claiming to be the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Directorate. The victim was threatened with punishment under copyright law or for searching pornography and asked to pay �100 through Paypal or UKash for the message to disappear.

Sergeant Colin Cox stressed that this is something the Police have never and will never do.

“The police don’t do anything like this,” he said.

“This is not a new crime, it emerged last year and while there have been incidents elsewhere this is the first time it has been reported in Uttlesford.

“I would urge people not to hand over any cash because paying will not fix your computer and you will have to get it repaired which will cost even more.”