Aussie men, be forewarned! A cyber syndicate is victimising horny Australian males who love not only to visit porn Web sites but also to actively participate in Webcam activities such as stripping or jacking off.

These criminal groups are using a Russian virus that started to spread in 2009 and had gone through Europe, Canada and the U.S. The syndicated even use the logo of local law enforcement agencies such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to dupe victims into paying $100 or $200 fines for being caught literally with their pants down.

Using the virus called ransomware, it activates the Webcam of the computer of the victim when he visits lewd Web sites. Then the virus locks the desktop and posts embarrassing photos of their victims usually in various stage of nakedness or performing some sex activities.

Then they warn the poor chap that he has breached federal law related to child pornography, copyright or privacy and ask for payment via credit card or money transfer. The fine must be paid within the next 72 hours or the computer would be encrypted or wiped, the threat says.

A police officer recalls receiving various calls from distraught male victims some of whom claim it happened while opening their Facebook accounts.

"The Australian community is reminded that the AFP does not solicit funds and this message is not associated with the AFP in any way," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted AFP Cybercrime Operations Manager Commander Glen McEwan, who urged victims to report such incidents of fraud to the Australian Crime Commission Web site.

For victims of the ransomware, here is a tutorial on how to remove it from your computer.