Clydebank Post | News | Woman's terror over death email

Friday, 29th August, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 11th June, 2008 10:30

Woman's terror over death email

By Colin Hutton

Print Article

Image related to story, see caption or article text

A “SICK” email left a woman terrified after it claimed that a hit squad was coming to kill her.

After reading the title of the message — Someone you call your friend wants you dead — Heidi McLean panicked and went straight to the cops.

And despite being reassured that the email is a hoax, the 37-year-old has been left on edge and is worried that more Bankies could be pulled in by the horrific scam.

The email claims that to keep your life, you must cough up thousands of pounds in cash.

It also states that if you attempt to contact the police, your family will also be in danger.

Heidi, from Dalmuir, told the Post: “When I first saw the email I totally panicked.

“But I’m not gullible and realised it was a hoax and went straight to the police.

“It’s more concerning for someone who might pay out or get to the stage that they are terrified to leave their house.

“I think that it’s quite sick to go to this extreme to try to extort money, but at the end of the day that’s the length that some people will go to.

“Even though I know that it’s not real it has really shaken me quite badly.

“Every time the door goes I’m still panicking and it’s quite intimidating to imagine some of the things that were in the email.

“The other day a guy came to my house with my laptop and I was so terrified that I was looking through the spy hole, which I never do.

“I’ve been left a bit apprehensive.

“I only hope that by bringing this issue to everyone’s attention that no-one will be pulled in by it.”

It appears that the email was sent round as an elaborate hoax and cops have moved to reassure the public that if they receive this message that they should not be worried. PC Chris Griffiths, from Clydebank Community Safety Department, said: “Clydebank police have been notified by a member of the public of a new scam email with a sinister threat.

“Internet criminals are sending out a generic email demanding money which, if not paid, may result in the recipient coming to harm. The fact that the recipient is not named in the email and that it originates from outside the UK suggests that the scam is aimed at people’s fear of becoming a victim and those vulnerable in our community who may innocently follow the instructions laid out in the email.

“We strongly advise people to immediately delete any email from an unknown source.

“Don’t fall into the trap.”

Social Bookmarking What are these?