New email scam calls for payment in explosive threat

Police have warned of a new email scam that asks people to pay up or an explosive device “planted in their building” goes off.

Police have warned Queenslanders of an extortion email scam after having increased reports from victims receiving emails that suggest an explosive device was planted in their building.

The scam message states that the device won’t be found and can be deactivated if the recipient pays a large sum of money in digital currency.

Email recipients are usually advised they have three days to pay.

Queensland police have advised anyone who receives an email of that style not to make any payments to the sender.

Any links or attachments should not be clicked and if there is any genuine concern for safety, police should be contacted immediately.

If a payment has already been made, police have advised people to immediately report the matter to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

The incident can be reported to scamwatch if received, regardless of whether funds were sent or not.