Death threat emails are a hoax, says the FBI

SPAM EMAILS from a purported hitman threatening death unless $20,000 or more is paid are a hoax, advised the FBI on Tuesday.

The bureau reiterated notices it had previously sent out in December 2006 and January 2007 because the emails are still being received.

The extortionate spam often contains basic punctuation, spelling and grammar errors. It reportedly originates in Russia and may include personal information about the recipient in order to promote intimidation.

The FBI says recipients shouldn't be unduly worried because some information linked to individuals is often accessible online.

Besides, it only stands to reason that any real life murderer for hire that took to approaching assigned victims and taking payoffs would likely find their career abruptly, er... terminated.

Snopes debunks the hoax hitman emails here. µ

L'INQ
InformationWeek