Today the FBI issued photographs of a threatening hoax letter and its envelope, one of more than 50 such letters received this week by financial institutions in at least 11 states. Many of the letters have contained an unknown powder substance. The letters have all been postmarked from Amarillo, Texas.

The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and state and local authorities are investigating each of the incidents. Field tests conducted thus far on the powder have been negative. Additional testing is being conducted at regional laboratories. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are following up on numerous leads.

“Sending a hoax letter is a serious crime, and a drain on law enforcement resources,” said Section Chief Doug Perdue, Investigative and Operations Section, FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate. “We will continue to work diligently to identify and arrest those responsible.”

Anyone with information about these letters should contact the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, or their local authorities. You can also submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

For more information about the letters, including a list of states and financial institutions where the letters have been received, visit www.fbi.gov.

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