ASPEN — Aspen police said a recent rash of e-mail death threats is nothing more than a scam.

"It is totally bogus," said investigator Eric Ross. "It's a new and different take on probably a Nigerian scam."

The death threat tells e-mail recipients they have been targeted for assassination, and the writer, posing as the hired assassin, gives the recipients the chance to pay to save their lives.

"I have been paid some ransom in advance to terminate you," the e-mail reads. "I have followed you closely for a while now and have seen that you are innocent of the accusations. Now listen, I will arrange for us to see face to face, but before that, I need $8,000."

The author warns the e-mail recipient to stay inside after 7:30 p.m. and not contact police, and instructs the reader to write back immediately and make plans for the first $4,000 payment.

After receing the first payment, the e-mail's author claims it will provide a videotaped interview for use as evidence against the person who ordered the assassination.

Ross contacted FBI officials after receiving five calls from Aspen-area residents, and federal agents reported another such e-mail in Rifle.

Federal officials confirmed to Ross that the notes are likely a simple e-mail scam originating from an overseas boiler room and should simply be deleted.

Ross stressed that if anyone who receives a death threat with different details or specific names or real threats should contact police.

Charles Agar's e-mail address is cagar@aspentimes.com