Bomb threats reported across Canada, U.S. in suspected hoax
North American police forces are dealing with multiple bomb threats that have so far been proven to be unfounded.
Canadian police forces in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and other major cities say they have responded to the threats, but no devices have been found. One of the threats forced Toronto Police to evacuate a downtown subway station. However, Calgary Police say they don’t believe the threats are credible.
“We are currently responding to multiple bomb threats across #YYC. At this time we don’t have any reason to believe they are credible. However, out of an abundance of caution we are treating each as if it is real. We are also aware of similar events occurring across the continent,” Calgary Police wrote Twitter.
Ottawa Police say they have received more than 10 calls regarding bomb threats made via email to local businesses and individuals demanding bitcoin payment. The force adds the threats are unfounded, suggesting this may be part of a “swatting” ploy.
We are currently responding to multiple bomb threats across #YYC. At this time we don't have any reason to believe they are credible. However, out of an abundance of caution we are treating each as if it is real. We are also aware of similar events occurring across the continent.
— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) December 13, 2018
BOMB THREAT:
King Subway Station
-A threat has been received
-Police are investigating
-King Subway Station has been evacuated
*Anyone with info that may assist in this investigation is asked to call police*#GO2285161
^dh— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) December 13, 2018
Ottawa Police investigates numerous bomb threats swatting e-mails https://t.co/F4yWDijXwG #ottnews
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) December 13, 2018
Threats were also made in the U.S., prompting the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to issue a public response.
“There is an email being circulated containing a bomb threat asking for bitcoin payment. While this email has been sent to numerous locations, searches have been conducted and NO DEVICES have been found,” the NYPD tweeted Thursday afternoon.
Please be advised – there is an email being circulated containing a bomb threat asking for bitcoin payment. While this email has been sent to numerous locations, searches have been conducted and NO DEVICES have been found. pic.twitter.com/7omOs13Z7Q
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 13, 2018
It appears the threats have been made all over the continent with reports from British Columbia to Florida. Below is one version of the email that is being circulated. It threatens to blow up a building if $20,000 in bitcoin isn’t paid.
Reactions to the suspected scam have been mounting on social media. Here are some of them.
“Nothing says 2018 quite like bomb threat spam for bitcoin,” Beth Elderkin wrote on Twitter.
Nothing says 2018 quite like bomb threat spam for bitcoin.
— Beth the Elder One (@BethElderkin) December 13, 2018
“Well, that’s a new one,” Lance King chimed in.
Well, that's a new one. I just got a random bomb threat via email, demanding bitcoin payment. Since I'm at the coffee shop now, I suppose I'm safe. #ransomemail pic.twitter.com/MTj6X56mjm
— Lance King (@analogfusion) December 13, 2018
“Dumbest thing I’ve seen in a while,” Jake Hanrahan said.
Bitcoin bomb threat scam. Dumbest thing I’ve seen in a while. Guarantee there isn’t a single bomb. https://t.co/Fi7HvhzcE1
— Jake Hanrahan (@Jake_Hanrahan) December 13, 2018