Fake bomb threats demanding bitcoin funds reported across the country, authorities say
Multiple fake bomb threats have been reported across the country, according to authorities.
The New York Police Department said it was monitoring multiple bomb threats sent electronically to various locations throughout the city. The threats were deemed not credible, the department said.
The FBI said in a statement that it was aware of "recent bomb threats made in cities around the country." The agency is in touch with local law enforcement to provide assistance, it said, asking the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity.
Also in New York City, a call came into The Bronx High School of Science saying a pipe bomb would explode in 20 minutes, a police spokesperson told ABC News. The school was cleared, and it was determined that there was no threat, police said.
The threat seemed to fit the pattern of others deemed not credible, saying that a detonation would occur in the absence of a $20,000 bitcoin payment.
Massachusetts State Police are also tracking multiple bomb threats emailed to several businesses throughout the state, it said.
Bomb threats were made to several locations in the Chicago area, including Aurora City Hall, the Aurora Library and Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, ABC Chicago station WLS-TV reported.
Threats have also been made in Canadian cities Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Penticton, CTV reported.
It is unclear how many fake bomb threats were made. Additional details were not immediately available.
