'Hoax' bitcoin bomb threats prompt nationwide evacuations, police searches

Police departments and federal authorities across the country are investigating a series of emailed bomb threats demanding bitcoin.

The NYPD said the threats are likely part of a hoax but officers are searching every location that received the apparent ransom threat.

"While this email has been sent to numerous locations, searches have been conducted and NO DEVICES have been found," the NYPD tweeted. "At this time, it appears that these threats are meant to cause disruption and/or obtain money."

Authorities around the country evacuated schools and businesses that received the threatening notes. Some of the emails had the subject line: "Think Twice," the AP reported.

The Connecticut State Police said that state troopers and local police responded to similar threats made to several schools in the state.

"Our Cyber Crimes Investigative Unit and Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC) are currently working to identify the source of the emails that are circulating across various agencies in the state," Connecticut State Police said in a statement to FOX 5 NY.

Police in New Jersey responded to several schools that received the threats.

"We ask the public to remain vigilant," the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau tweeted. "If you see something, say something."

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