NAPLES, Fla.- The Naples Police Department has received three reports of residents receiving a hoax “hit man scam” email in the last two weeks.

Police say this particular e-mail is sent from someone who claims to have been paid to kill the recipient. The supposed killer then offers to spare the recipient’s life in exchange for money.

This is a scam intended to scare recipients into sending money. There is no evidence to suggest these messages actually come from someone hired to commit murder or any other crime. Variations of this e-mail have been circulating the internet since 2007.

Recipients should not reply. Police say the most important thing to know about these e-mails is that if you receive one, you shouldn't respond.

In addition to soliciting your cash, the perpetrators hope to persuade you to share personal data so they can steal your identity.