FBI: Popular Online Scam 'Ransom Ware' Continues To Grow

The FBI says a popular online scam known as "Ransom Ware" continues to grow. The international crime ring targets everyone including law enforcement.

Here's how it works. Hackers take your computer hostage and then force you to pay them to get control back. Each digital ransom note comes in different forms, many with a countdown clock.

"It said pay this ransom before this countdown ends or you're going to lose all these files forever," said Leah Miller, who received Ransom Demand.

The best way to avoid becoming a "Ransomware" victim is to keep your computer's anti-virus software up to date. It's estimated more than $325 Million in computer ransom demands has been paid out globally.

Security company McAfee predicts these types of attacks will become more common next year as hackers target additional companies with more sophisticated software.