ALBANY, N.Y. -- State Police are issuing a warning to residents about a hoax in which an email is sent claiming to be a copy of a traffic ticket from the DMV issued by the State Police. Investigators said this email is not from the Department of Motor Vehicles or State Police.

The email mail requests that the recipient open an attached zip file, which is a fake copy of a traffic ticket to fill out and send to a town court. The zip file is believed to contain a computer virus. The subject line of the email may read, “UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKET.”

The State Police Computer Forensics Lab is analyzing the file.

If you receive this, investigators say do not open the email or the attachment. If you've opened the attachment, investigators say you should update and run anti-virus software and take steps to be sure your computer system is secure. Do not forward the email to police.

Cyber-crime prevention tips from NYSP and the National Crime Prevention Council:

• Use anti-virus software, firewalls, and other security measures to protect your personal information.
• Only open e-mails from familiar sources and only navigate to trusted sites.
• Change your passwords every 90 days and do not allow your computer's programs to save them.
• Back-up important files to external storage devices and be vigilant when downloading from the Internet.
• Install parental control software and monitor your child's Internet use to keep kids safe online.
• Establish family guidelines for appropriate computer use.