MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KMPH) -
The Madera County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about an email intended to terrify recipients into wiring money.
A 71-year-old Oakhurst woman became the latest target.
Sheriff John Anderson says the woman received an email from someone claiming to be an assassin, hired to murder her. He says while the email is patently ludicrous, its message -- laced with vile threats -- was sent to incite fear.
The woman contacted deputies, who are now investigating.
"Our office takes all terrorist threats seriously, credible or not," Sheriff Anderson said. "Whoever sent this pulled an extremely sick stunt in an outrageous attempt to extort money."
The sheriff's office says if anyone receives an email like the one pictured here, do not respond to it. Instead, call authorities immediately.
