Extortion email demands Bitcoin, threatens campus attack

Jacksonville, FL — An extortion email apparently sent to several colleges and universities demands payment in Bitcoin, threatening to commit an attack against campus students and faculty.

We first told you Wednesday that the University of North Florida confirmed they had received an emailed extortion threat. The UNF Crime Alert said law enforcement believed the threat was "likely non-credible", but that state and federal partners continued to investigate, in an effort to find out who was responsible.

UNF is not disclosing the contents of the email they received, but our partner Action News Jax obtained the email that was sent to Hillsborough Community College. Action News Jax also checked with the University of Florida, where a spokesperson says she believes this threat was the same as UNF received.

WOKV and Action News Jax are not disclosing the full contents of the emailed threat, but it includes the suspect saying daily threats of an attack would be sent and one- at random- would eventually be carried out. The suspect demanded payment in Bitcoin, at an amount that currently would equal less than $18,000. The suspect further promised that if the ransom were paid, there would be no subsequent blackmail attempt.

FBI Jacksonville confirms they are working with state and local law enforcement partners to investigate, and that they take all threats of violence seriously. They’re asking the public to remain vigilant of any suspicious behavior and activities, which you should immediately report to police. UNF is encouraging you to call the University Police Department at 904-620-2800 if you see anything suspicious.