87 Where to Report Threatening Emails and What to Do Next

Receiving a threatening email can be a really scary experience. It’s natural to feel anxious and unsure of what steps to take. This article will guide you through the process of figuring out where to report threatening emails and provide you with the information you need to handle the situation effectively and safely.

Your First Steps: Where to Report Threatening Emails

When you encounter a threatening email, the first and most crucial step is to know where to report threatening emails. This isn't something you should ignore or handle alone. The primary authority to contact is your local law enforcement agency. They are equipped to investigate threats and can determine if a crime has been committed. It’s important to preserve the email as evidence before reporting it. This includes not deleting it and, if possible, taking screenshots of the entire message, including the header information which contains details about the sender and the email's journey.

Depending on the nature and severity of the threat, you might also need to report it to other organizations. For instance, if the threat is related to your workplace or a specific online platform where the communication occurred, you should inform your employer’s HR department or the platform’s safety/support team. Reporting promptly and to the right channels is vital for ensuring your safety and for facilitating any potential investigation. Here’s a quick breakdown of who to consider:

• Local Police Department
• FBI (for federal crimes or interstate threats)
• Your Employer's Human Resources Department
• The Email Service Provider
• Online Platform Administrators

To make the reporting process smoother, gather as much information as possible. This can include:

1. The full content of the threatening email.
2. Any previous communications from the sender, if they exist.
3. Details about how you know or don't know the sender.
4. Your contact information.

Here’s a small table outlining key reporting points:

Where to report threatening emails for a direct threat to your life

1. Contact your local police immediately.
2. Call 911 if the threat is imminent.
3. Provide law enforcement with the full email text and headers.
4. Do not delete the original email.
5. Take screenshots of the email.
6. Note any identifying details about the sender.
7. If you recognize the sender, provide that information.
8. If the sender is unknown, state that.
9. Ask for a case or report number.
10. Keep a log of all communications related to the threat.
11. Consider reporting to the FBI if the threat is interstate.
12. Inform your family or household members about the threat.
13. Secure your online accounts with stronger passwords.
14. Review your privacy settings on social media.
15. If you feel unsafe, consider temporarily staying elsewhere.
16. Block the sender’s email address.
17. Do not reply to the threatening email.
18. Consult with an attorney if you have concerns about legal recourse.
19. Report any suspicious activity around your home or workplace.
20. Follow any advice given by law enforcement.

Where to report threatening emails related to your job

1. Report to your direct supervisor immediately.
2. Contact your Human Resources (HR) department.
3. Provide them with a copy of the threatening email.
4. Document the incident thoroughly.
5. If the threat is severe, also contact local law enforcement.
6. Follow your company's safety protocols.
7. If the threat is from a client or partner, inform relevant company management.
8. If the threat is from a coworker, report it through official channels.
9. Keep records of any previous related incidents.
10. Do not engage with the sender yourself.
11. Ask HR about company policies on workplace threats.
12. If your job involves sensitive information, report to IT security.
13. Consider if the threat is a violation of company policy.
14. If the threat is credible, ask about security measures.
15. Do not share details of the threat with unauthorized colleagues.
16. Be aware of who might have access to your work email.
17. If the threat is related to discrimination, report it to HR and potentially an external agency.
18. Save all communication related to the incident.
19. If you feel your safety is at risk at work, inform your manager and HR.
20. Follow up with HR to ensure the situation is being addressed.

Where to report threatening emails received on a government computer or network

1. Report immediately to your agency's IT security department.
2. Contact your agency's Office of Inspector General (OIG).
3. Forward the email with full headers to the designated security contact.
4. Do not open any attachments or click on any links.
5. Do not delete the original email.
6. Follow all agency protocols for reporting security incidents.
7. If the threat involves national security, report to relevant federal agencies.
8. Document the date, time, and nature of the threat.
9. Note if you recognize the sender or the context.
10. Preserve the email on a separate, secure medium if instructed.
11. If the threat is severe, law enforcement may be involved by the agency.
12. Be prepared to provide details about your computer activity.
13. Understand your agency's cybersecurity policies.
14. Do not discuss the threat with unauthorized personnel.
15. If the threat is from a foreign entity, report to national security contacts.
16. Cooperate fully with any investigation.
17. Secure your login credentials and any sensitive data.
18. If you suspect malware, report it to IT immediately.
19. Ask for confirmation that your report has been received.
20. Be aware of reporting timelines within your agency.

Where to report threatening emails related to online scams or fraud

1. Report to the email provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook) using their spam or phishing reporting tools.
2. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
3. If the scam involves money transfer, report to the financial institution involved.
4. Report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
5. If the scam involves a specific online platform (e.g., eBay, Facebook), report it to the platform administrators.
6. If personal information was compromised, consider identity theft protection services.
7. Report to your local police if you suffered financial loss.
8. If the scam targets a specific industry, look for industry-specific reporting bodies.
9. Keep all records of the scam communication.
10. Do not reply to the scammer.
11. Do not click on any links or download any attachments.
12. Warn friends and family about the scam.
13. If the scam involves fake job offers, report to relevant job boards or employment agencies.
14. If it's a lottery or prize scam, report to the relevant authorities.
15. If it's a romance scam, report it to the platform and potentially law enforcement.
16. Be cautious of follow-up scams requesting fees to recover losses.
17. Report any involvement of cryptocurrency to relevant agencies.
18. If you believe it's part of a larger phishing operation, report it to cybersecurity watchdogs.
19. Document the platform and username of the scammer.
20. Seek advice from consumer protection agencies.

Where to report threatening emails containing hate speech or extremism

1. Report to your email service provider.
2. Report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
3. Report to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) if it's related to hate groups.
4. Report to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) if it's antisemitic or related to hate.
5. If the threat is imminent and specific, contact local law enforcement.
6. Report to the platform if the email was received through a social media or online forum.
7. Document the exact wording and any visual elements.
8. Save copies of the email and any associated evidence.
9. Do not engage with the sender.
10. Do not share the content widely on public platforms without considering the impact.
11. Report any links to extremist websites to the appropriate authorities.
12. If the threat is directed at a specific group, consider reporting to advocacy groups for that community.
13. Be aware of your country's laws regarding hate speech and incitement.
14. If the content promotes terrorism, report to national security agencies.
15. Keep a log of all communications and actions taken.
16. Do not attempt to investigate the sender yourself.
17. If the threat is school-related, inform school administration and local law enforcement.
18. If it's work-related, report to HR and potentially law enforcement.
19. Consider reporting to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children if minors are involved or threatened.
20. Seek support from mental health professionals if needed.

Dealing with threatening emails is a serious matter, and knowing where to report threatening emails is the first step towards regaining your peace of mind and ensuring your safety. Remember to always prioritize your well-being, document everything meticulously, and rely on the appropriate authorities and organizations to handle the situation. By taking informed action, you can effectively address these intimidating communications.