New Zealand Police is investigating a threatening email from people claiming to be the terrorist hackers Syrian Electronic Army (SEA).

To help combat the cyber threat police has set up an email address for recipients of the hacker's email to forward to police.

In the email it claims to be sent from members of SEA, the sender warns unless the recipient pays $1,500 in bitcoin, the files in their computer will be lost, someone in their family will be killed and their house will be destroyed by fire.

Acting National Crime manager Paul Berry says Police are investigating the email threat because they are concerned about any threats against members of the public and many recipients would be feeling vulnerable.

"Police are aware some email recipients may feel very vulnerable after receiving an email of this nature.

Anyone who does feel at risk should contact their nearest Police station to express their concern.

"Other recipients may not feel as threatened but may still wish to assist with the investigation in order to prevent it from spreading further.

We would like anyone who has received the SEA email to send it to firescam@police.govt.nz in order to help us with our investigation".