Shocking messages about browsing child pornography often scare a person into sending money, said a press release from Ridge Meadows RCMP.

The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre has been receiving reports from people who say their computers are being frozen, or they have been locked out, after receiving pop-up messages warning them their computer has been associated with child pornography.

These warnings, which claim to be from the RCMP or CSIS, tells the recipient to pay $100 via Ukash so their computer can be unlocked.

These types of messages, commonly known as scareware, are designed to create such shock and anxiety that victims respond by sending money quickly.

If anyone receives one of these messages, be aware that it is a scam – these messages are not being issued by the RCMP, said the release.

Last November, Ukash posted an alert on their website about a similar scam targeting residents in the United Kingdom.

If a scareware locks anyone out of their computer, it’s a indicator that the system may have been infected with malware and that person will need to take steps to address the problem.

Tips to protect yourself:

- Never click on a pop-up that claims the computer has a virus

- Update anti-virus software often and scan the computer for viruses regularly

- Don’t click on links or attachments in emails sent to by an unknown person

- Turn on the browser’s pop-up blocking feature

- Never download anti-virus software from a pop-up or link sent in an email