Victims urged to come forward as soon as possible.

Computer users are being warned by police not to fall for a new internet scam.

Police have received a number of reports about computer users receiving online pop-up messages, claiming to be from Strathclyde Police.

The message states that the person’s computer has been locked by police and they will need to call a given number and pay a fine over the phone - as they have been viewing adult content online.

In most cases, the computer screen locks.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Strathclyde Police have informed the public that this is an internet scam and has absolutely nothing to do with them.

“They have made it clear that they would never ask the public for money under such circumstances and urge people who receive the pop-up to not to follow the instructions or call the number.

“They should definitely not pay any money or give out personal details.”

Strathclyde Police’s Computer Crime Unit is carrying out inquiries to trace the source of the scam and have asked that anyone who receives a pop-up message on their computer claiming to be from them to contact them as soon as possible, quoting their incident number SP-20111126-1892.

Victims of the scam are urged to contact Strathclyde Police as soon as possible on the non-emergency telephone number 0141 532 2000.