Eh? You and the FBI: Good news, bad news

If your computer is locked up and displaying a message saying the FBI is fining you $100, we have good news and bad news.

The good news: The FBI isn’t really mad at you.

The bad news: You’ve got the latest computer virus, called “ransomware,” and you’re probably going to have to take your machine to a computer-repair shop to fix it.

The Better Business Bureau says the virus has been going around, and the News Tribune got a call this week from a reader who got the bug in Duluth.

Whatever you do, the BBB says, don’t pay the “fine.” You’ll just be opening your computer up to more problems. Take it to a shop, get it fixed, and then make sure in the future that your security software is all up to date, and never click on suspicious links in e-mails or social media posts.

You can report viruses and other computer scams to the real FBI at ic3.gov.

We welcome your submissions and suggestions. Drop us a line at news@duluthnews.com, on Twitter, Areavoices, or mail items to Eh?, Duluth News Tribune newsroom, 424 W. First St., Duluth, MN 55802.

Tags: life, eh, technology, crime, money