Local NH Businesses Targeted In Bitcoin Bomb Threats

MANCHESTER, NH — Bomb threats were directed at two New Hampshire businesses Thursday as part of a nationwide spree by Bitcoin scammers. The threats were sent via email to businesses across the country. They were deemed a hoax by police agencies; no explosions were reported.

The New Hampshire threats were directed at two businesses in Manchester. The first threat was made at about 2:30 p.m. against a North Commercial Street business, according to Manchester Police Sergeant Matthew Jajuga. The second threat was made at about 3:20 p.m. against an Elm Street business. Police searched both buildings and found nothing.

"Similar bomb threats, received in the same manner as these aforementioned two incidents, were reported at locations statewide, as well as throughout the country," Jajuga said in a statement.

One of the emails obtained by Patch demanded $20,000, to be paid in Bitcoins by the end of the working day.

"My recruited person hid the explosive device (Tetryl) in the building where your business is conducted," the email read. "It was built according to my guide. It can be hidden anywhere because of its small size, it can not damage the structure of the building, but there will be many wounded people in case of its explosion."

The email said someone was monitoring the building and would detonate the device should he notice any strange behavior, panic or police officers.

The threats were reported in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa and California.

More:

• Bomb Threats Emailed Nationwide Demanding Bitcoin Payment

Daniel Hampton, Patch National Staff, contributed to this report

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