BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Washington County deputies warned people of an e-mail hoax Wednesday.

In the last two weeks, three people in Washington County have reported a hit man threat that was e-mailed to them.

The e-mail sender, who calls himself “Agent of Killer,” says in the e-mail that someone you know wants you dead. It goes on to say he knows where to find you and if you want to live, you must send $15,000.

A Beaverton man who received the e-mail and didn’t want to be identified said he knew it was a scam, but it was a very disturbing one.

“No matter how unreal it is, when someone threatens your life and threatens my family, it becomes personal,” he said.

Deputies said people who receive the e-mail shouldn’t reply because it could lead to more threats. They also recommended adding the sender to a junk e-mail list.

According to the FBI, the e-mail has been circulating around the country for at least a year.

To view the FBI's bulletin, click here.