Authorities believe that an email of a bomb threat blowing up businesses is a hoax.

The Waite Park Police Department says that they’ve received the threat along several businesses in the St. Cloud metro area.

The email states that a bomb is present inside whatever business the email is directed to, and that if money is not given via Bitcoin, the bomb will explode. Due to similar language in the repetitive emails, it’s suspected to be a scam.

The Waite Park Police Department is advising businesses affected to avoid giving any money or complying with the threat.

If you receive a similar email, contact your local police so you can forward the threat to them. St. Cloud businesses are encouraged to contact Assistant Chief Jeff Oxton of the St. Cloud Police Department, while Waite Park businesses can contact Chief Dave Bentrud at (320) 229-3661.