Beware.

By Stacy Dunn, Information Security, RCB Bank

A new email extortion scam (bomb threat hoax) is making its way to the inboxes of several businesses, namely financial institutions. Narrated similarly to a scene in an action movie, the sender suggests an accomplice has planted a bomb within the recipient’s building that will be detonated if a bitcoin ransom is not paid by the end of the workday.

The sender discourages the recipient to contact the authorities and the subject line may read, “I advise you not to call the police.”

The message states:

extortion scam example

 

Notably, the businesses that have received this message proved to be safe after investigation, though numerous schools closed as a precaution.

Scammers strive on the human element of uncertainty and use whatever methods possible to get what they want.

Extortion emails, ransomware attacks, phishing attempts and various other methods of social engineering are all key parts of a hacker’s repertoire. Recognizing and detecting these instances are imperative to maintaining a safe, secure work environment.

If you receive an email similar to the one detailed above, contact your information security team immediately.

Interested in similar articles? Read this article about wire fraud.