Fergie's Tech Blog

FBI Investigate Online 'Hitman' Scams

Dan Lothian writes on CNN.com:

Peter McGlothin didn't know what to think when he first got the e-mail with a bounty on his head.

"[It] is a pity that this is how your life is going to end," the e-mail said.

The e-mailer, describing himself as a hitman, said one of McGlothin's "friends" put out a contract on his life and that people were monitoring his movements.

But the e-mailer offered to cut him a deal: Cough up $30,000 and McGlothin would be left alone. Ignoring the e-mail's threat to "not contact police," McGlothin went to the FBI.

Authorities say McGlothin is not alone. The FBI has received more than 100 complaints about the so-called "hitman scam" from across the country. Typically, the cyber shakedown seeks anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000.

posted by Fergie @ 6/20/2007 10:11:00 AM