E-mail Extortion Scam in South Dakota

Attorney General Larry Long is warning South Dakotans about a scam being circulated via e-mail. The e-mail claims to be a threat by a hired killer to his intended victim. According to the e-mail the victim can stop his own murder by wiring a specified amount of money. The e-mail also warns against contacting law enforcement and extending the threat to family members as well.

"The Consumer Protection Division and the Division of Criminal Investigation has received several complaints about this particular email over the past week," said Long. "This latest email is a straight forward attempt by con artists to exploit individuals with fear. Do not respond to the e-mail because it will only trigger additional correspondence from the con artist and heighten the intimidation."

Anyone with a concern about a suspicious email can contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center or by forwarding these e-mails to the Consumer Protection Division at consumerhelp@state.sd.us.