Press release form City of Asheville:
Asheville, NC (May 31, 2017): Over the last few days the Asheville Police Department has responded to several local businesses that have received a generic letter issuing a bomb threat via fax referencing a ransom to be paid by Western Union in the amount of $25,000 to a Brazilian citizen. These threats are part of a nationwide scam in which individuals and businesses are receiving the same letter through email and/or fax. While the threats are believed to not be credible, the matter is still under investigation by federal authorities.
Anyone who receives a threat similar to the one described above is encouraged to report it to the Asheville Police Department. Despite the threats’ apparent lack of credibility citizens should be aware of surroundings and note the presence of suspicious or unknown items in the area. The Asheville Police Department also advises against sending funds, in any amount, to individuals you do not know.
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