Remove “Your browser has been locked” from Apple Mac OS X

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Written by: Stelian

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If your Apple Mac OS X browser is locked, and you are seeing a “Your browser has been blocked ” notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Australian Federal Police or any other law enforcement agency, then your Safari web browser has been hijacked.
[Image: Your browser has been locked FBI MAC OS X]
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 “Your browser has been locked” ransomware page is being pushed onto unsuspecting users browsing regular sites but in particular when searching for popular keywords.

The “Your browser has been locked” 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 “Your browser has been locked” 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.
If you choose to ignore the message “Your browser has been locked” Mac OS X, you cannot get rid of the page, as you will see this notification:

Your web browser has been locked.
All PC data will be detained and criminal procedures will be initiated against you if the fine will not be paid.

Furthermore, to make this alert seem more authentic, this virus also has the ability to access your installed webcam, so that the bogus “Your browser has been locked” notification shows what is happening in the room.

If your computer is infected with the “Your browser has been locked” MoneyPak virus, then you will see the following Safari web page:
[Image: Your browser has been locked Apple Safari]
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 locked 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 “Your browser has been locked” Safari 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.

“Your browser has been locked” Apple Mac OS X – Virus Removal Guide

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove the “Your browser has been locked” Mac OS X infection from your your computer. 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 Your browser has been lockedmalicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by resetting Safari to its default settings
OPTION 2: Remove Your browser has been lockedbrowser hijacker Apple Mac OS X virus using Force Quit for your browser
OPTION 3: Remove Your browser has been lockedmalicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by disabling Javascript

OPTION 1: Remove Your browser has been lockedmalicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by resetting Safari to its default settings

To remove the Your browser has been lockedbrowser 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 Your browser has been lockedbrowser 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 Your browser has been lockedransomware 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 Your browser has been lockedbrowser hijacker.
    [Image: Click on the Force Quit button to remove Your browser has been lockedvirus]
    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 frontmost app.

OPTION 3: Remove Your browser has been lockedmalicious 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 Your browser has been lockedand browser away.
    [Image: Disable Javascript in Safari]
    Once you have closed Gov.adultpoliceweb.com, 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.

55 thoughts on “Remove “Your browser has been locked” from Apple Mac OS X”

  1. Oh my god. Thank you I was so scared. I was afraid my whole life was crashing lol. I ended up figuring out how to close it on my iPhone but I actually thought the police were after me! I researched It though. Whew!

  2. Hello,
    Did you follow the above steps? You can also try to disconnect from the Internet, open Safari, browse away from the malicious page, then clean your browser cache. Then connect back to the Internet.

  3. Just got this on my iPad Air using Safari. Just browsing Bing images and BANG!

    Just go into safai settings and clear everything.

  4. If you let the browser sit for exactly three days, and restart your computer, you will be returned to your home page, no harm done.

  6. once you escape the page, does the virus go away, or is it still on my computer lurking somewhere waiting to strike again?

  7. Just unplug your mac. Then disconnect your router. and plug mac back in connect your router and then click on the apple and select restart. That gets rid of FBI

  8. Can’t get to the Preferences or Reset options in Safari, and Force Quit does not get rid of the locked screen window. I restarted my computer after doing Force Quit, but the locked screen window continues to come up. Any suggestions? Thanks.

  10. I was on Salon.com online magazine and this page popped up. I was shocked! Thanks for your help with this.

  11. I just minimized the page so I could access task manager and closed my browser from there(applications)..no biggy..but I wasn’t surfing for porn at the time.i was googling to find out what the most popular music is that teens were listening to in other countries and in europe.i guess the word teens attracted the scam page? or the combination of words I used.i don’t remember now exactly how I worded the inquiry.yeah,the site claimed that I’ve been charged with the crime of downloading child porn,etc..had my ip number,city,etc..that’s so easy to do it’s unreal..my personal web page collects much more than that from visitirs via a software called tracemyip.that kind of program is common and usually free to download or to use.i pretty well knew what was going on when the thing popped up.i figured since I have the pay version of avast and it didn’t alert me that it wasn’t anything but javascript scam.so I clicked to minimize the page (couldn’t access task manager otherwise) and from “applications” I closed the browser(IE in my case)..I love challenges.

    • thanks a lot man. none of their stuff was working on chrome, so I tried the task manager and it saved me. thanks once again.

  12. My computer had this problem I just force quite Google Chrome is that ok? Will they still go after you after the range of 24hours to 72hours if you don’t pay? I don’t know because I’m scared what should I do if it actually locks?

    • Hello,
      This infection is nothing more than a javascript on a web page, so it does not drop any files on your machine.
      It will NOT lock down your machine or encrypt your files, you just need to follow the steps from this guide, and that’s it!
      DO NOT SEND ANY KIND OF MONEY TO THESE CYBER CRIMINALS!

      stay safe!

  13. So as long as the webpage is gone the virus is gone too? If so, this was a great way to easily fix the problem. Thanks so much!

  18. You should really add that there is a Norton Antivirus scan Mac users can perform. The scan is free to download on the App store on your computer. Just search for it. I’d double check with that after all this, just to reassure everything is secure.

  19. For some reason I got a porn pop-up. After that I got an F.B.I. pop-up saying I was in violation of watching child porn. I was confused, but it didn’t lock. Was it because I was on Chrome, or something else. I could close the pop-ups and nothing happened. Should I worry?

  20. theres a new one that just came out days ago. looks more real and has a tiny on page image that shows your ip address and city location. just a forewarning!

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