Several Seacoast residents have received threatening e-mails saying a hitman is out to kill them, according to local police.
Police in Newfields, Portsmouth, and Hampton Falls this week have issued advisories about the scam.
"The FBI has been investigating this scam since 2006 and it appears to have originated in Russia around that time," Portsmouth police said. "Over the last few years this same scam has appeared all over the world in slightly different forms and even via text messages."
Below is a copy of one of the e-mails sent to a Seacoast resident:
“Hello,
I will not bother you with banal banter. I am a professional hitman who was recently contracted by someone very close to you. In essence someone close wants you dead. I say it unequivocal without any ego that I am good at what I do. I have already received 15k in dollars as advance payment for my assignment.
My client has refused to intimate me of his reasons for wanting you dead but, I really don’t give a hoot. My concern is to have a satisfied client. I have closely followed you in the last week or two and I would have ended you a long time. You have a good family and, for the first time in my professional career I develop empathy.
That said do you know the meaning of ‘quid pro quo’? It’s something for something. I have documented evidence in my possession that will enable you bring my client down on his knees and bury him forever with the law enforcement agencies. I need not remind you that you leave out the law enforcement agencies for now until you have proof. Any mention of me to the authorities and I’ll give you a painful sign.
Lest I forget, your closest is betraying you. I have access to all your itinerary.
Please do not joke with me. I can give a clean headshot from 100 yards clean!
Am done talking.”
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