Bomb threats have swept across the nation on Thursday, but reports indicated that they were all hoaxes.
UPDATE, 9:30 p.m. EST – The Department of Homeland Security released a statement on the rampant bomb threats.
The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC), part of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), is aware of a worldwide email campaign targeting businesses and organizations with bomb threats. The emails claim that a device will detonate unless a ransom in Bitcoin is paid.
If you receive a bomb threat email, NCCIC recommends the following actions:
- Do not respond or try to contact the sender.
- Do not pay the ransom.
- Report the email to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center or to a local FBI Field Office.
Schools and businesses in numerous states reported evacuations and lockdowns after receiving bomb threats Thursday morning, only for media reports to later show that these threats surfaced in the form of email hoaxes, the Associated Press reported Thursday.
The Bitcoin-spam-scammers have moved on from fake blackmail threats to fake bomb threats. So far no-one’s paid anything to the address, and I suspect it’ll stay that way. pic.twitter.com/N5MOdmu8Jm
— Tom Scott (@tomscott) December 13, 2018
Cities such as New York City, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Orlando, Denver, Grand Rapids, and more were among those targeted by the bomb threats.
The New York City Police Department tweeted, “Please be advised – there is an email being circulated containing a bomb threat asking for bitcoin payment. While this email has been sent to numerous locations, searches have been conducted and NO DEVICES have been found.”
Please be advised – there is an email being circulated containing a bomb threat asking for bitcoin payment. While this email has been sent to numerous locations, searches have been conducted and NO DEVICES have been found. pic.twitter.com/7omOs13Z7Q
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 13, 2018
“At this time, it appears that these threats are meant to cause disruption and/or obtain money. We’ll respond to each call regarding these emails to conduct a search but we wanted to share this information so the credibility of these threats can be assessed as likely NOT CREDIBLE,” NYPD added.
At this time, it appears that these threats are meant to cause disruption and/or obtain money. We’ll respond to each call regarding these emails to conduct a search but we wanted to share this information so the credibility of these threats can be assessed as likely NOT CREDIBLE.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 13, 2018
Grand Rapids Police tweeted, “SCAM ALERT: There is a rampant hoax email being distributed across the country of a bomb threat making demands for money. Emails began locally around 1 pm. We do NOT believe these emails have any validity and direct you to delete email. Do NOT send money.”
SCAM ALERT: There is a rampant hoax email being distributed across the country of a bomb threat making demands for money. Emails began locally around 1 pm. We do NOT believe these emails have any validity and direct you to delete email. Do NOT send money. More info coming soon
— Grand Rapids Police (@GrandRapidsPD) December 13, 2018
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department tweeted, “Multiple businesses throughout LVMPD’s jurisdiction have received an email bomb threat, similar to those reported nationally. These hoax bomb threats seem to be related to each other. The threats are being investigated and no devices have been located at this time.”
Multiple businesses throughout LVMPD’s jurisdiction have received an email bomb threat, similar to those reported nationally. These hoax bomb threats seem to be related to each other. The threats are being investigated and no devices have been located at this time. #LVMPDnews
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 13, 2018
The FBI’s Washington division said they’re aware of the threats and continue to communicate with local law enforcement agencies.
— FBI Washington Field (@FBIWFO) December 13, 2018
It’s not yet clear where the emails originated from. The emails have been sent using hijacked email addresses, making them appear as though they’re from legitimate individuals.
Update: Some authorities say the series of bomb threats sent to cities across the country, including parts of SoCal, appear to be a hoax https://t.co/avRwjjDpMO
— KTLA (@KTLA) December 13, 2018
This article has been updated to add the Department of Homeland Security statement.
