LITTLE ROCK – Arkansans are receiving emails threatening to detonate a bomb if a bitcoin ransom is not paid. While alarming, it appears to be another scam attempting to steal money from Arkansans. Unfortunately, this nationwide email scam has reached Arkansas, and the Attorney General’s Office has received a handful of calls regarding similar emails.
“This is a scam that uses intimidation to convince Arkansans to turn over money,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Arkansans should immediately contact law enforcement if they receive this email. In each report to my office, the recipient advises that the emails do not seem credible, but I encourage Arkansans to contact law enforcement immediately in order to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips from the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center for Arkansans who receive this, or a similar, email:
- Immediately contact local law enforcement.
- Do not respond or try to contact the sender.
- Do not pay the ransom.
The FBI notes that they are partnering with local law enforcement agencies to investigate these emails. The emails should also be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
For more information about other common scams and consumer-related issues, please call the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov orfacebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
