From ABC7
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The FBI is warning internet users about a death threat hoax, and a local victim said she was slammed with an alarming email.Read more: http://abc7.com/fbi-warns-of-email-death-threats-asking-for-bitcoin-payouts/2994123/"I will be short. I've got an order to kill you," the note said, in part, which demanded $2,800 in U.S. dollars or in Bitcoin, an internet currency.
The victim Christiane, who only wants to use her first name, said the email was deeply disturbing even though she recognized it as a hoax.
"I knew no one was tracking me. But I found myself as I was on my way to work looking around. Are any cars following me? Does anyone look suspicious?" she said.
It is a new spin on extortion said FBI agent Laura Eimiller. Californians especially are being targeted with new scams every day.
"The chances are if you are online, you will be victimized not once, not twice, but multiple times," Eimiller said.
Investigators said the emails are carefully crafted and even educated professionals can be lured in.
The first sign you should ignore this is that they are asking for Bitcoin. Everyone knows real criminals are using Monero and ZCash now. Even the ransomware folks are backing away from Bitcoin due to the high transaction fees.
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