FBI: Banks receive hoax letters

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Threatening letters containing white powder have been sent to more than 50 U.S. banks and financial institutions, the FBI said Thursday.

The letters, received by financial institutions in 11 states and the District of Columbia say "it's payback time," CNN reported.

"Steal tens of thousands of people's money and not expect repercussions. It's payback time. What you just breathed in will kill you within 10 days. Thank (word redacted) and the (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.) for your demise," said one letter released by the FBI.

Most of the letters contained a powder that the FBI said is harmless. Even so, sending the letters is "a serious crime," even if they are a hoax, FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said.

CNN said the letters were all sent from Amarillo, Texas, to branches of Chase Bank; the FDIC and the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision.

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."