F.B.I. is Investigating a String of Bomb Threats

Large grocery and discount stores such as Wal-Mart, across the country have been targeted by a caller who threatens to blow up shoppers and workers with a bomb if employees fail to wire money to an account overseas, according to authorities. Frightened workers have wired thousands of dollars, and in one case took off their clothes, to placate a caller who said he was watching them but may have been thousands of miles away. The FBI and police said Wednesday they are investigating similar bomb threats at more than 15 stores in at least 11 states, all in the past week.