RCMP warn public about threatening e-mail

By Tina Comeau

THE VANGUARD

NovaNewsNow.com

The RCMP in Yarmouth said last week they had received no complaints from the public about an e-mail that is circulating in parts of the province that threatens a person’s life.

On Thursday the Halifax district of the RCMP issued a public warning about the e-mail. A portion of the e-mail states that your life will end and someone has spent money to have you killed, stated the warning.

The e-mail also says a person’s life can be spared if they send a fee to the sender. The fee has varied from e-mail to e-mail.

The message tells the recipient not to contact police or tell anyone. “I am not aware of any such complaints received at Yarmouth rural,” said Sergeant Kevin Surette when asked if the e-mail has surfaced in these parts. “Nothing of this sort has been reported to this office, to my knowledge,” said Constable Mark Connell of the Yarmouth town detachment.

Corporal Joe Taplin, of the RCMP’s Halifax District Detachment, says at this time the RCMP believe the e-mail is a hoax, but they’re still treating it as serious.

The RCMP are encouraging people not to send money, and say if members of the public have concerns about their personal safety to contact the police.

As to whether the e-mail has shown up outside the Halifax, Cpl. Taplin says, “Knowing the Internet, I am sure it is making it's way down your way as well.”

Anyone with information about these e-mails can contact any RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). They can also report information to Crime Stoppers through their secure web tips line at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.