Bomb threats emailed to businesses in at least 6 local counties

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Updated: 10:00 p.m. December 13, 2018

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Emailed bomb threats led to an evacuation at a Cedarburg business and other locations across the country. The sender told people to pay up or a bomb would detonate, but the threats were a hoax.

CBS 58 News has learned people and businesses in at least six counties received the threatening emails. That includes two threats in Wauwatosa, at least six threats in Milwaukee, one threat in Ozaukee County, one in Sheboygan County, three in Kenosha County and several in Waukesha County. Businesses in at least 15 other states received similar threatening emails.

One victim in Wauwatosa tells CBS 58 he’s thankful it was just a hoax.

“At least it was just a scam,” the man who didn’t want to be identified said.

WSA Engineered Systems in Wauwatosa also got the email Thursday. Owner of Iron Fist Fitness, located next door, Shannon Vik said it feels too close to home.   

“When you look at how technology is evolving, it doesn’t shock me, but to know that it’s right next door is concerning,” Vik said.

In Cedarburg, the industrial business, Dimat, was also sent the threatening email.

“The building was immediately evacuated of all employees and the area around it shut down,” Lt. Marshall Hermann said. “Anytime we have a threat like this we take it with the utmost seriousness.”

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Updated: 4:17 p.m. December 13, 2018

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee has also received the threats. The Milwaukee Police Department’s Fusion Division is investigating an influx of email-style bomb threats that have been sent to private businesses across the city. The emails demand money in order to keep the bombs from detonating.

Milwaukee Police say they cannot confirm that the threats are linked to the email bomb threats occurring around the United States. 

MPD takes all bomb threats seriously and the threats are actively being investigated.

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Posted: 2:22 p.m. December 13, 2018

CEDARBURG, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Thursday afternoon the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office got information that Dimat Company, a business located on Sycamore Drive in Cedarburg received a bomb threat.

The threat was received via email.

The building was evacuated and surrounding businesses have been notified.

Bomb-sniffing dogs have been requested to clear the building and surrounding area. 

Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office says the road to the business is closed until the area has been cleared and determined safe for the public.

Authorities say the incident is not isolated and other similar threats have been reported across Wisconsin.

Some of those threats have been received in Waukesha County. The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department has been notified that several businesses have received bomb threats. The emails say that they are working with other people and have placed bombs in various parts of the building. 

The threat comes with a directive to pay money in the form of bitcoins in order to stop the bombs from getting detonated.

Waukesha County Deputies have investigated the calls and found none to be credible.

The Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center is currently monitoring an influx of email bomb threats across the nation. None of the threats have been deemed legitimate. 

If you receive any of these emails, officials recommend that you do not click on the link associated with the email and contact your local law enforcement agency. 

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