Computer owners are being warned about a new scam after a member of the public reported an incident to March police station this morning (Thursday).

The person’s computer had been locked with a message flashed up claiming to be from Cheshire police and stating illegal activity had been done using the computer.

A warning has been issued on the Facebook page for Policing March and Chatteris said: “This is in fact a computer virus and will request you to transfer funds from your bank via a non-traceable and non-returnable money handling facility - do not fall for this scam!”

It continues: “The scammers will NOT unlock your computer they simply move on to the next person they have scammed, leaving you out of pocket and with a computer you still need to have unlocked. Take a screenshot or photo of the computer screen if possible.”

The advice is to contact your local (trusted) computer shop or the manufacturer for advice.

Contact Action Fraud via http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or phone 0300 123 2040 and give them as much detail as possible.

Keep an eye on online banking, PayPal and if you spot anything unusual contact your bank immediately.

Further advice to prevent yourself from becoming a victim: Only open files you are sure are genuine; only open trusted websites; ensure you have suitable virus and malware protection on all your computers – if in doubt speak to your local computer shop or manufacturer.

“Remember, these SCAMS are designed to deceive you, if in doubt please contact the police.”