At Vision Computer Solutions, we help Metro Detroit businesses stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Recently, a new extortion scam shook schools, businesses, and government offices across the U.S. and Canada: Bitcoin bomb threats.
In these attacks, criminals send mass emails claiming they planted a bomb inside the recipient’s building. They demand $20,000 in Bitcoin to prevent detonation. While police and the FBI confirmed no explosives ever existed, the threats still forced evacuations, investigations, and costly disruptions.
How Bitcoin Bomb Threat Scams Operate
Scammers craft alarming subject lines like:
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“I advise you not to call the police.”
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“Think Twice”
The emails claim someone carried an explosive—often naming Hexogen (RDX), the active ingredient in C-4—into the recipient’s building. Attackers then demand a Bitcoin payment to call off the supposed bomber.
Authorities investigated these emails and found no bombs. Despite that, the campaign disrupted thousands of businesses and organizations.
What To Do If You Receive a Bitcoin Bomb Threat
The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) urges businesses to act decisively:
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❌ Don’t reply to the sender.
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❌ Don’t pay the ransom.
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📩 Report the email to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local FBI office.
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🛡️ Work with security staff to confirm the building’s safety before resuming operations.
Taking quick, informed action ensures your people stay safe without rewarding scammers.
The Real Costs of Bitcoin Bomb Threats
Even though scammers failed to detonate anything—or collect much Bitcoin—the damage still piled up:
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🚓 Police diverted resources to chase false alarms.
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🏫 Schools and businesses shut down midday, disrupting students and workers.
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💸 Companies lost productivity, revenue, and customer trust.
These threats create chaos even without a single real explosive.
Why Bitcoin Bomb Threats Still Matter
The biggest danger isn’t explosives—it’s complacency. Constant fake threats can desensitize employees and decision-makers, causing them to hesitate during real emergencies.
Organizations must treat every threat seriously while recognizing that most of these emails are scams. Striking that balance keeps people safe without letting criminals dictate operations.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin bomb threats prove just how far cybercriminals will go to exploit fear. The scams rarely deliver explosives, but they do succeed in draining time, resources, and focus from the organizations they target.
At Vision Computer Solutions, we prepare businesses for attacks like these. Our team:
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Trains employees to recognize scam emails.
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Builds proactive email security defenses.
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Creates incident response plans that minimize downtime and disruption.
👉 Don’t let scammers hold your business hostage. Contact Vision Computer Solutions today and put a stronger cybersecurity strategy in place.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.