A computer-generated scam demanding a cash payment featuring the New Zealand Police logo is circulating.

The scam, known as Ransomeware, features a message purporting to be a demand from the NZ Police for a $250 fine to be paid to avoid prosecution for unlawful downloading of software.

A computer scam using the NZ Police is circulating the country.

"This has been adapted from previous scams in the UK and Australia where the Metropolitan Police and Queensland Police logos have also been implicated,” says officer in charge of the National Cyber Crime Centre, Detective senior sergeant Steve Honiss.

'Police have had reports from a small number of Taupo and Hawke's Bay residents in recent days, who have had their computers targeted by this virus."

Police say anyone who gets the computer message should not pay any money, and should contact NetSafe for assistance to unlock their computers.

He says one of the best ways to protect from viruses and scams like this is to ensure the antivirus software on computers is up to date and users have downloaded all available security patches.

NetSafe and the Consumer Affairs Scamwatch team are aware of this latest scam and have useful information online at: www.theorb.org.nz and www.scamwatch.org.nz

For information on how to defend yourself or your business against Ransomware, click here:

http://blog.netsafe.org.nz/2012/10/03/anti-child-porn-ransomware-hits-new-zealand-businesses/

Anyone with any information regarding the origin of the Ransomeware scam should contact their nearest Police station or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.