Authorities are investigating a text message from someone claiming to be from a cartel threatening people with dismemberment if they don’t send them money.
Around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, a Raleigh woman, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety, received threatening messages from a person alleging to be a member of a criminal organization.
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The person who sent the message demanded money, and threatened to send men to get her if she refused.
After the messages, photos of a firearm and a dismembered body followed. The woman told WRAL News she hasn't slept since receiving the messages.
“In the back of my head, I’m still very aware of my surroundings, looking around and locking my doors. I still feel scared," she said.
The woman said she immediately went to Raleigh Police Department, who told her and WRAL News they have received similar text messages before.
"They have received messages like this before," she said. "People have been coming in with similar text messages and similar pictures."
It isn’t the only text-message scam going around. Several central North Carolina residents reported receiving a text message claiming they had unpaid bills from traveling on toll roads in the state.
The woman said officers told her the messages could be coming from anywhere, but similar messages they've come across tend to originate overseas.
The woman told WRAL News she wants others to be aware of the scam, and contact police before acting impulsively.
“Ignore it, report it and don’t click on any links,” she said, adding police officers shared the same advice.
The FBI is recommending anyone receiving a similar threat to remain calm, collect as much information as possible and call law enforcement.
WRAL News has reached out to Raleigh police and is working to learn more about the investigation.