BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) — Law enforcement officials across the country say a wave of bomb threats sent by e-mail Thursday was a hoax.
The threat was received by schools, businesses, and government agencies from Boston to Boise, Idaho.
Many who received the threat received ransom instructions to send bitcoin, an electronic currency.
Locally across the Commonwealth, Massachusetts State Police say they were tracking multiple bomb threats.
Hingham Police say that the bomb threats received in their community were "determined to be unfounded," those businesses were re-opened.
Jim Collins, owner of East Coast Investigative Services in Hingham, tells WBZ NewsRadio that his business received the e-mail claiming that a tiny bomb was hidden in his building and demanded payment through bitcoin.
"We are aware of the recent bomb threats made in cities around the country, and we remain in touch with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety."