MoneyGram Virus

What is MoneyGram?

MoneyGram is a leading global payment services company, not a virus. Note, however, that today, many computer users refer to MoneyGram as the "MoneyGram Virus". This association is made, since cyber criminals use this legitimate service to collect bogus fines.

This is achieved by infecting Internet users' systems with ransomware viruses, which block computer screens and demand payment of fines to unlock them. Note that MoneyGram is in no way related to ransomware viruses.

If you observe a message on your computer, supposedly from the FBI Cybercrime Division or other authority, ordering payment of a fine for alleged law violations (cyber criminals often make false accusations of watching child pornography or using pirated music and video files), then you are dealing with a ransomware virus.

Paying these fines using MoneyGram, as requested by these screen blocking messages, is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals.

Ransomware viruses have become a profitable business for cyber criminals who exploit the names of various authorities and organizations and use legitimate money transfer services (such as MoneyGram, MoneyPak, Ukash, PaySafeCard, and Reloadit) to extort money from unsuspecting PC users.

Never trust messages which block your computer screen and demand payment of a fine to unlock it - no legitimate authorities or organizations use these methods to collect fines for any law violations.

Ransomware viruses that use MoneyGram to collect the fake fines are distributed using 'exploit kits', which infiltrate users' systems via malicious websites, infected email messages, or drive-by downloads. To make the fake messages appear authentic, cyber criminals localize them (by detecting the IP address of the infected computer).

Using this deceptive tactic, cyber criminals are able to present the user with a message supposedly originating from a local organization or authority. For example, a ransomware virus from the same family may be displayed as if sent from the FBI Cybercrime Division on a USA-based computer, and as if sent by RCMP on a Canadian-based computer.

Do not trust these messages or pay any fines using MoneyGram. If your computer is infected with a ransomware virus, use the removal guide provided to eliminate this scam.

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is MoneyGram?
• STEP 1. "MoneyGram" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
• STEP 2. "MoneyGram" ransomware removal using System Restore.

MoneyGram virus removal:

Step 1

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced startup. Click on "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu".

Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Step 2

Log in to the account infected with the MoneyGram virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.

Video showing how to remove a ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":

1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.

2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.

3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.

4. In the opened window click "Next".

5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the MoneyGram ransomware infiltrating your PC).

6. In the opened window click "Yes".

7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the MoneyGram virus.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk.

Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode, making its removal difficult. For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing the MoneyGram virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.

Other tools known to remove the MoneyGram virus:

• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

▼ Show Discussion