Jul 5, 2011 18:24 GMT  ·  By

Security researchers warn that 419 scams that try to extort money from individuals by threatening their lives are back in use.

In one sample recently spotted by security experts from Symantec, recipients are contacted by an alleged hitman who calls himself Don Gunshot.

According to the message, he was hired to kill the target, but changed his mind after following them and seeing that they are innocent.

The hitman offers to send a tape that would incriminate the person who hired them to carry out the task in exchange for $5,000.

"This is the only way I could contact you for now. I want you to be very careful about this and keep this secret with you until I make out space for us to see. You have no need of knowing who I am or where I am from. I know this may sound very surprising to you but it's the situation.

"I have been paid some ransom in advance to terminate you with some reasons listed to me by my employer. It's someone I believe you call a friend. I have followed you closely for a while now and have seen that you are innocent of the accusations he leveled against you.

"Do not contact the police or try to send a copy of this to them, because if you do, I will know, and I might be pushed to do what I have been paid to do. Besides, this is the first time I turn out to be a betrayer in my job. I took pity on you, that is why I have made up my mind to help you if you are willing to help yourself," the alleged hitman writes in his email.

The letter goes on to warn the recipient that if they contact the authorities or don't comply with the request, the threat will also be extended to their family members.

The scammer asks for the money to be sent via Western Union in two batches. One of $3,000 in advance and another of $2,000 after the tape is delivered.

Of course, this is a classic advance-fee (419) scam, and no tape will be sent in exchange for the $3,000. The hitman scam was common many years ago, but themes are rotated every several years in the hope that people forget them or new potential targets appear.