Police are investigating after scammers mailed death threats to Farmington families, demanding money in exchange for sparing their lives.
According to Farmington police, the FBI is investigating 14 similar complaints from homes in Fairfield County.
Farmington police said they have received two complaints within the past week from residents who received threatening letters addressed to their homes. According to police, the notes were postmarked in Austin, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida.
The letters identify the recipients by name and explain how to make a $2,000 payment using Bitcoin, according to police. The senders set a payment deadline of noon on Feb. 13.
The notes begin as follows:
"XXX you do not know who we are, but we have been tracking you and your loved ones for a while now. We know your schedules. We know where you all live and spend your time. We also know how to kill any one of you without being caught. Now XXX, don't panic. This isn't personal. You did nothing to deserve this. You were just one of a handful of families unfortunate enough to draw our attention."
They continue on to say, "However, nobody has to die," then instruct the recipients to create an account through any online Bitcoin exchange and deposit $2,000.
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"Withdrawal [sic] all Bitcoin you purchased to the following Bitcoin address: 19vcdWcV4J8bhH7j3igHZ5q4WGT2UX5V2S," the letters instruct. "Be sure to type all 34 characters of that Bitcoin address in EXACTLY."
The mailings also include a "Note to Law Enforcement" explaining that police will never be able to catch or identify the culprits.
The Farmington Police Department is investigating along with the Postal Inspector and FBI. Police are imploring anyone who receives a similar letter to contact authorities immediately and refrain from handing over the money.
