How to remove the FBI Mac OS X virus (MoneyPak Scam)

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Written by: Stelian

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If your Mac OS X browser is locked, and you are seeing a “All Activities of this computer has been recorded. All your files are encrypted” notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), then your Safari web browser has been hijacked.
FBI Mac OS X Safari ransomware
For years, Windows users have been plagued by ransomware demanding several hundred dollars to unlock their computers.
The bad guys know there is a growing market of Apple consumers who, for the most part, feel pretty safe about browsing the Internet on a Mac without the need for any security product.
Cyber-criminals, well known for not re-inventing the wheel, have ‘ported’ the latest ransomware to OS X, not by using some complicated exploit but rather leveraging the browser and its ‘restore from crash’ feature.
The FBI Mac OS X ransomware page is being pushed onto unsuspecting users browsing regular sites but in particular when searching for popular keywords.

The FBI Mac OS X MoneyPak virus will display a bogus notification that pretends to be from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and states that your computer has been blocked due to it being involved with the distribution of pornographic material, SPAM and copyrighted content.

The FBI Mac OS X virus will hijack your Safari browser, so whenever you’ll open this program, it will display instead a lock screen asking you to pay a non-existing fine of  $300 in the form of a MoneyPak voucher.
A quick look at the address bar shows an interesting URL: fbi.gov.id657546456-3999456674.k8381 . com, the bad guys are clearly trying to fool users.

Furthermore, to make this alert seem more authentic, this virus also has the ability to access your installed webcam, so that the bogus FBI Mac OS X notification shows what is happening in the room.

If your computer is infected with the FBI Mac OS X MoneyPak virus, then you will see the following Safari web page:
[Image: FBI Mac OS X virus]
The message displayed by the threat can be localized depending on the user’s location, with text written in the appropriate language.

HE FBI FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION CYBER DEPARTMENT

All activities of this computer have been recorded
All your files are encrypted. Don’t try to unlock your computer!
Your browser has been blocked due at least one of the reasons specified below.

You have been subjected to violation of Copyright and Related Rights Law (Video, Music, Software) and illegally using or distributing copyrighted contents, thus infringing Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8, also known as the Copyright of the Criminal Code of United States of America. Article 1, Section 8, Cause 8of the Criminal Code provides for a fine of two to five hundred minimal wages or a deprivation of liberty for two to eight years.
You have been viewing or distributing prohibited Pornographic content (Child Porno photos and etc were found on your computer). Thus violating article 202 of the Criminal Code of United States of America, Article 202 of the Criminal Code provides for a deprivation of liberty for four to twelve years.
Illegal access has been initiated from your PC with ought your knowledge or consent, your PC may be infected by malware, thus you are violating the law on Neglectful Use of Personal Computer. Articles 210 of the Criminal Code provides for a fine up to $100,000 and/or deprivation of liberty for four to nine years. Pursuant to the amendment of Criminal Code of United States of America of May 28, 2011, this law infringement (if it is not repeated – first time) may be considered as conditional in case you pay the fine of the States.
To unlock your computer and to avoid other legal consequences, you are obligated to pay a release fee of $300. Payable through GreenDot MoneyPak (you have to purchase MoneyPak card. load it with $300 and enter the code). You can buy the code at any shop or gas station. MoneyPak is available at the stores nationwide.
When you pay the fine, your browser will be unblocked in 3 to 12 hours after the money is put into the States’s account. Please note: Fine may only be paid within 12 hours. As soon as 12 hours elapse, the possibility to pay the fine expires. All PC data will be detained and criminal procedures will be initiated against you if the fine is not paid.

The FBI Mac OS X lock screen is a scam, and you should ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.

Under no circumstance should you send any MoneyPak code to these cyber criminals, and if you have, you can  should request a refund, stating that you are the victim of a computer virus and scam.

How to remove the “FBI Mac OS X” browser virus from Apple Mac OS X (Removal Guide)

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove the “FBI Mac OS X” Mac OS X infection from your Apple Mac OS X. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
OPTION 1: Remove FBI Mac OS X malicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by resetting Safari to its default settings
OPTION 2: Remove FBI Mac OS X browser hijacker Apple Mac OS X virus using Force Quit for your browser
OPTION 3: Remove FBI Mac OS X malicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by disabling Javascript

OPTION 1: Remove FBI Mac OS X malicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by resetting Safari to its default settings

To remove the FBI Mac OS X browser hijacker from Safari, we will need to reset your browser to its default settings.

  1. Click on the Safari menu and then choose Reset Safari
    [Image: Select Reset Safari from the menu]
  2. In the new windows, make sure all items are marked and click on the Reset button.
    [Image: Reset Safari to default settings]

OPTION 2: Remove FBI Mac OS X browser hijacker Apple Mac OS X virus using Force Quit for your browser

  1. Press Command + Option + Escape simultaneously. This will open the open the Force Quit Applications window.
    [Image: Press Command + Option + Escape to start Force Quit menu]
  2. Select Safari, Chrome, Firefox or any other browser in which your are seeing the FBI Mac OS X ransomware notification.
    [Image: Select Firefox, Chrome or Safari from Force Quit menu]
  3. Click the button that says “Force Quit“. This will forcefully end your browser program, thus removing the FBI Mac OS X browser hijacker.
    [Image: Click on the Force Quit button to remove FBI Mac OS X virus]
    If you cannot switch from the unresponsive app, press Command + Option + Shift + Esc for three seconds to force it to quit. This key combination tells OS X to force quit the front most app.
  4. Your browser should be closed now. Open the web browser again, then quickly close it again by using the button in the corner of the browser.
  5. You should now be able to open your browser without seeing the malicious pop-up. As a final step, clear your browser “History”.

OPTION 3: Remove FBI Mac OS X malicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by disabling Javascript

  1. Click on Safari in your browser menu, located at the top of your screen. When the drop-down menu appears, select the choice labeled Preferences…
    Please note that you can use the following keyboard shortcut in lieu of the aforementioned menu item: COMMAND (APPLE) + COMMA
    [Image: Select Preferences from the Safari menu]
  2. Safari’s Preferences dialog should now be displayed, overlaying your browser window. Click on the tab labeled Security.
    [Image: Select Security from the Safari menu]
  3. Safari Security Preferences should now be displayed. In the third section from the top, labeled Web content, is an option titled Enable JavaScript. By default, this option is checked and therefore active. To disable JavaScript, simply uncheck the appropriate box. Then you should be able to close FBI Mac OS X and browser away.
    [Image: Disable Javascript in Safari]
    Once you have closed FBI Mac OS X, you can enable Javascript again in Safari.

To protect your Apple Mac OS X from future infections, we recommend that you download and install avast! Free Antivirus for Mac.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

  1. Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

    warning sign

    Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

    If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.

  2. Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

    updates guide

    Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

    If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.

  3. Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

    shield guide

    Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

    If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.

  4. Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

    install guide

    Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

    If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.

  5. Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

    cursor sign

    Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

    If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.

  6. Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

    trojan horse

    Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

    If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.

  7. Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

    lock sign

    Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

    If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.

  8. Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

    lock sign

    Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

    If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.

  9. Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

    backup sign

    Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

    If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.

  10. If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

    warning sign

    Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.

    • Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
    • Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
    • Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
    • Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
    • Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
    • Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
    • Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

45 thoughts on “How to remove the FBI Mac OS X virus (MoneyPak Scam)”

  1. I used the reset Safari and it worked. I have got this message several times before and I either quickly exited the window or just turned the Internet connection off and I got it to work. This time that did not work. Thanks for the very useful post.

  2. Hi there. What do I do if my safari shuts itself down, meaning I can’t even get onto the drop down menu?

  4. OK I force closed my browser, but how do I know that the malware is removed? Does it not actually instal on the mac computer?

  7. I had the same issue….just do this.
    Press the “shift” key then start Safari.
    This will prevent Safari from opening up with the previous website….it will default to your home page.
    Then remember to reset Safari.

  9. Where’s the Option 3: have a nifty way to disable popups and javascript on the page, period, maybe even completely clear the DOM and any events in memory for that page, so you don’t lose what you were doing on the other 30 tabs you had opened?

  10. Hello JD,
    Lets try these steps:
    1.Click on Safari in your browser menu, located at the top of your screen. When the drop-down menu appears, select the choice labeled Preferences…

    Please note that you can use the following keyboard shortcut in lieu of the aforementioned menu item: COMMAND (APPLE) + COMMA

    2. Safari’s Preferences dialog should now be displayed, overlaying your browser window. Click on the tab labeled Security.

    3.Safari 5’s Security Preferences should now be displayed. In the third section from the top, labeled Web content, is an option titled Enable JavaScript. By default, this option is checked and therefore active. To disable JavaScript, simply uncheck the appropriate box.

    Close your browser, then open it again. Go to google.com, then you can re-enable the JavaScript option.

    Stay safe!

  11. I was looking on Etsy when this popped up on my screen. It wasn’t this exact picture, but it was all the same wording etc. Totally freaked me out, but it works perfectly. I had to reset and force quit safari…& I did it a few times just to be sure. I restarted my computer after it was away & it has stayed away! Thank you!!!! :-)

  12. Thanks so much my husband was so freaked out! He had clicked on something that accidentally brought up awful pictures and was scared to death! Thanks so much!

  14. Thank you so much! I was freaking out because I’m a teen and I’d get in a ton of trouble for having to pay the government $300.

  15. when i saw the virus message i just restarted my computer, is there anyway to see if the virus is gone?

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