New Email Scam

New e-mail scam: Hit-man threatThe Boston Globe had an article about an email scam that is making its way into inboxes around the country. The email informs the recipient that a “hit” has been taken out either on the person or a loved one, and they must pay a sum of money to remove the hit. Although the email would certainly be immediately recognized as a scam by recipients, it can be unnerving to receive an email like this. According to the article,

“The FBI received 115 complaints of similar e-mails reaching people across the country in less than a month last winter, according to its Web site. The e-mails vary only in the amount of money demanded, ranging as high as $80,000.” Source: The Boston Globe

The FBI has a website that offers warnings and information about email and online scams. Additionally, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) also offers people the opportunity to report cyber crimes.

As always, never click on links in emails – especially when they are from unknown individuals. If you are ever in doubt about an email you receive, contact your local law enforcement agency.