FBI Virus Removal Guide Updated 2025

The FBI virus is one of the most well known ransomware scams ever distributed in the United States. It first appeared in 2012 as a full screen lock screen that claimed to be from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and demanded a payment through MoneyPak vouchers. Botcrawl was the first website to document this threat and identify it as the FBI virus, and over time it became one of the most widely searched ransomware infections in the country. Although the original variants are no longer common, FBI themed scams and lock screens still appear in modern forms such as browser lockers, online extortion schemes, and mobile ransomware.

This updated 2025 guide explains what the FBI virus was, how it worked, how it evolved, and how to remove FBI themed malware using modern tools. You will also learn how the original FBI Moneypak scam shaped the future of ransomware and how to protect your device from modern file encrypting attacks, extortion scams, and fake law enforcement messages.

Table of Contents

• What is the FBI Virus
• History of the FBI Virus
• How the FBI Virus Spread
• How the FBI Virus Worked
• Modern Variants and Related Threats
• Symptoms of the FBI Virus
• Risks Associated with FBI Themed Ransomware
• Remove the FBI Virus with Malwarebytes
• Manual Removal for Windows
• Advanced Checks for Persistent Issues
• Why Antivirus Might Miss FBI Ransomware
• How to Avoid FBI Ransomware Scams
• Key Takeaways

What is the FBI Virus

The FBI virus was a type of ransomware that locked a user out of their computer and displayed a fake warning claiming to be from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The message accused victims of viewing illegal content or violating federal law and demanded a fee to unlock the device. Payments were commonly requested through prepaid voucher systems such as MoneyPak, Ukash, Paysafecard, or Reloadit.

The FBI virus was one of the earliest widespread ransomware families in the United States. Instead of encrypting files like modern ransomware, it restricted access to the entire desktop and prevented the user from accessing Windows until a fake fine was paid. The goal was simple intimidation. Many victims complied out of fear, especially when the message displayed their location, IP address, or webcam feed.

Although the original FBI virus has faded, scammers still use FBI branding to scare users through browser pop ups, online extortion messages, and fraudulent phone calls. These threats use modern tactics but rely on the same psychological pressure as the original ransomware.

History of the FBI Virus

The FBI virus first emerged in 2012. Botcrawl was the first site to identify it publicly and document how it worked. At the time, ransomware was still in its early development stages. Most infections were simple screen lockers rather than file encrypting Trojans. The FBI virus stood out because of how convincing its message appeared and how aggressively it spread.

Early variants of the FBI virus displayed a full screen window with the FBI seal, the user’s IP address, and a warning that the computer was being held for investigation. To unlock the system, victims were instructed to purchase a MoneyPak voucher and enter the code on the ransom page. If the payment was entered, the malware removed itself. If not, the user remained locked out.

The FBI virus quickly became one of the most discussed malware threats online. Security researchers tracked multiple variants including:

• FBI Moneypak
• FBI Ukash virus
• FBI Department of Justice ransomware
• FBI Cybercrime Division ransomware

By 2014, ransomware began shifting away from lock screens and toward full file encryption. Families like CryptoLocker, CryptoWall, and TorrentLocker replaced the FBI virus as the dominant threat. By 2016, most FBI themed ransomware had disappeared, but new versions of the scam live on in browser lockers and mobile extortion schemes.

How the FBI Virus Spread

The original FBI virus spread through many of the same infection techniques used by malware today. These included:

• Exploit kits that delivered ransomware when a victim visited an infected website
• Malicious email attachments disguised as invoices or notices
• Drive by downloads from compromised sites and ads
• Fake software updates that installed ransomware instead of legitimate updates
• Bundled installers combined with pirated software or fake media players

Exploit kits were particularly effective at the time because many users were still on outdated versions of Java, Flash Player, and Internet Explorer. A single visit to a compromised site could trigger an automatic ransomware installation.

How the FBI Virus Worked

The FBI virus used a lock screen tactic to block access to the Windows desktop. After installation, the malware performed the following actions:

• Loaded on startup before other programs
• Displayed a full screen message that covered the taskbar and disabled keyboard shortcuts
• Claimed the user violated federal law and must pay a fine to avoid prosecution
• Blocked access to Task Manager and Registry Editor
• Monitored for attempts to close the window and restored it instantly

The message often showed a webcam feed to convince victims that the FBI was monitoring them. The malware did not actually interact with law enforcement systems. It used simple scripts to activate the webcam on devices that had one. Once paid, the ransomware typically removed itself or stopped loading, though some variants left behind files or registry entries.

Modern Variants and Related Threats

Although the original ransomware family is obsolete, modern threats continue to use FBI branding. These include:

• FBI browser lockers that freeze a browser tab with a fake FBI warning
• FBI phone scams where scammers call victims pretending to be agents
• FBI email scams that threaten legal action unless payment is made
• Mobile ransomware on Android that locks the screen with FBI logos
• Fake security alerts that redirect users to tech support scams

These threats do not function like the original ransomware, but they use the same pressure tactics and are often combined with phishing, payment fraud, and identity theft.

Symptoms of the FBI Virus

Most victims of the FBI virus experienced obvious symptoms such as a full screen lockout. However, related scams can behave differently today. Common symptoms include:

• A full screen window displaying an FBI message
• Loss of access to the desktop
• Keyboard shortcuts disabled
• Webcam activates without permission
• New browser tabs forcing an FBI warning
• Pop ups claiming your device is under investigation
• Unexpected redirects to law enforcement themed pages

If you encounter any of these symptoms, your device may be compromised by a lock screen Trojan, browser hijacker, or scam website script.

Risks Associated with FBI Themed Ransomware

The original FBI virus was designed for fast profit through intimidation. Modern variants pose even greater risks, including:

• Financial loss through prepaid card fraud or cryptocurrency payments
• Identity theft if personal data is entered on fake law enforcement sites
• Phishing attacks through follow up emails or phone calls
• Exposure to additional malware including trojans and spyware
• Repeated lockouts if the system is not cleaned fully

Some modern scams also collect browsing history or IP information to personalize threats and increase pressure.

Remove the FBI Virus with Malwarebytes (Recommended)

The most effective way to remove an FBI virus infection is to scan your device with a trusted anti malware tool. We recommend using Malwarebytes because it specializes in removing ransomware, adware, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs. Manual removal may not detect hidden files or startup entries, so using an automated scanner is the safest option.

Follow these steps to remove the FBI virus using Malwarebytes:

1. Download Malwarebytes and save the installer to your Downloads folder. Double click it to begin installation.

2. Follow the on screen instructions to install Malwarebytes on your Windows device.

3. Select whether you are installing Malwarebytes for personal or business use and click Next.

4. You may be offered Malwarebytes Browser Guard. You can add it or skip this step.

5. Once installation is complete, open Malwarebytes and click Get Started.

6. If using the free version, you will receive a trial of Malwarebytes Premium. After the trial ends, the program continues working as an on demand scanner.

7. From the dashboard, click Scan. Malwarebytes will check memory, startup items, registry entries, and files for ransomware and related threats.

8. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take several minutes.

9. When the scan finishes, review the detected threats and click Quarantine to remove them. You may be prompted to restart your computer.

10. After rebooting, Malwarebytes may run additional checks to confirm your system is clean.

Manual Removal for Windows

If you still have access to your desktop or are dealing with a browser based FBI scam, these manual steps can help you remove unwanted components. Manual removal should be followed by a Malwarebytes scan to ensure no hidden remnants remain.

Step 1. Uninstall suspicious programs

1. Right click Start and select Installed apps or Apps and Features.
2. Sort by install date to locate recent additions.
3. Uninstall programs you do not recognize or installed around the time the lock screen appeared.

Step 2. Remove browser notifications from fake FBI sites

• Chrome: chrome://settings/content/notifications
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications
• Firefox: Settings > Privacy and Security > Permissions

Step 3. Remove unwanted browser extensions

• Chrome: chrome://extensions
• Edge: Settings > Extensions
• Firefox: about:addons

Step 4. Restore your default search engine

Restore Google, DuckDuckGo, or your preferred provider.

Step 5. Reset browser settings if symptoms continue

• Chrome: chrome://settings/reset
• Edge: Settings > Reset settings
• Firefox: Help > More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox

Step 6. Clear cookies and site data

Remove cached FBI scam pages and redirects by clearing cookies and browsing data.

Step 7. Delete temporary files

Remove temporary files that may contain scripts or installers.

Advanced Checks for Persistent Issues

If you still see warnings or redirects, perform these advanced checks:

Check browser shortcuts

Right click your browser shortcut and ensure the Target field only contains the browser executable path.

Check Windows hosts file

Inspect C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts for unwanted entries.

Check proxy and DNS settings

Ensure no unexpected proxies or DNS servers are configured.

Check Chrome policies

Visit chrome://policy to see if malware has enforced settings.

Review Task Scheduler

Look for tasks that launch unknown executables.

Why Antivirus Might Miss FBI Ransomware

Many antivirus tools focus on high risk infections and may not detect lock screen Trojans or browser based scams immediately. Some FBI styled pages are created through scripts rather than installed programs. Others arrive in bundles that appear legitimate. This is why pairing your antivirus with an anti malware tool such as Malwarebytes provides better coverage.

How to Avoid FBI Ransomware Scams

To avoid threats like the FBI virus and modern extortion scams, follow these safety practices:

• Download software directly from trusted sources
• Avoid sites that display full screen pop ups or fake alerts
• Do not trust messages claiming to be from law enforcement
• Keep your browser and operating system updated
• Use reputable antivirus and anti malware protection
• Avoid clicking suspicious email attachments or links

Law enforcement agencies do not freeze computers or demand payments through prepaid cards. Any message that makes such a claim is fraudulent.

Key Takeaways

The FBI virus was one of the earliest and most notorious ransomware infections in the United States. It locked victims out of their systems, displayed a fake FBI warning, and demanded payment. Although the original malware has faded, modern scams continue to use FBI branding to intimidate victims. Removing the infection requires scanning with a trusted anti malware tool such as Malwarebytes and restoring browser and system settings.

For more malware removal guides and cybersecurity alerts, visit our latest updates in the malware category.