The Whitehorse RCMP have issued a warning about a computer scam which has been popping up across Canada.

The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre has been receiving reports from Canadians who say their computers are being frozen.

Or, they have been "locked” out of their computers after receiving pop-up messages warning them their computer has been associated with child pornography.

These warning messages, which claim to be from the RCMP or Canadian Security Intelligence Service, tells recipients to pay $100 via a website called 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.

So far, there have been no reported cases in the Yukon, Whitehorse RCMP Sgt. Don Rogers said today.

Police are being proactive to try to warn people of a potential hazard, Rogers said.

If you receive one of these messages, be aware that it is a scam – these messages are not being issued by the RCMP.

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

If you've been "locked out” of your computer, it's an indicator that your system may have been infected with malware and you will need to take steps to address the problem.

The police offer a few tips to protect yourself: 

• Never click on a pop up that claims your computer has a virus.

• Update your anti-virus software often and scan your computer for viruses regularly.

• Don't click on links or attachments in e-mails sent to you by someone you don't know.

• Turn on your browser's pop-up blocking feature.

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

Incidents should be reported to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/