Innumerable reports received by the Detroit division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, none of which have led to positive identification of anthrax, have spread law enforcement capabilities thin in the past two weeks.

Although the public is more aware than ever of the threat of biological weapons, FBI special agent Dawn Clenney said Americans need to use more discretion and common sense before filing a report of anthrax with authorities.

"It"s a fear of the unknown and people have a lot of questions," Clenney said. "It is a waste of good time, and you"re diverting law enforcement that could be better utilized."

Detroit Metropolitan Airport security officials have received several reports from airlines of substances looking similar to anthrax, but all investigations have tested negative for the bacteria.

Airport spokeswoman Barbara Hogan said an apprehensive atmosphere is fostering the multitude of reports.

"I think it"s the sign of our times. What we would have seen as a month ago as spilled sweet and low is making folks nervous," Hogan said.

David Halteman, assistant director of Washtenaw County Emergency Management, said his office has handled over 30 anthrax reports in the last two weeks, all which have been identified as other substances.

Emergency Management responded to a call earlier this week at Eastern Michigan University, where white powder was found on the stairwell. Halteman said it was discovered that someone had been beating erasers on a chalkboard.

Similar reports have been filed within the University of Michigan community. The Department of Public Safety responded to a call this week at Wolverine Tower, where white powder had been spotted on the floor of the elevator, DPS spokeswoman Diane Brown said.

The powder was determined to be disturbed dust from white drywall.

A Theta Chi fraternity member reported a suspicious package with a powder residue last Friday to the Ann Arbor Fire Department, which was also determined to be a false alarm.

Halteman said the public has become extremely wary of all packages. An undecipherable package received by a doctor"s office this week was later identified as a film delivery from its supplier.

"If it"s all-around suspicious, just send it back to the sender," Halteman said. "Try and identify the source and call them verify if someone sent it."

A suspicious bag was left on someone"s porch earlier this week which was found to be Halloween candy, Halteman said.

He also said some individuals have taken advantage of the anthrax scare for their amusement. They have received several reports of "pranksters" who have thrown powder on mailboxes.

Despite the number of false anthrax reports, it is caution that is keeping people safe, Halteman said.

"The one person who doesn"t overreact may be the one person who gets exposed," he said.

The bulk of reports filed with the FBI concern possible anthrax-tainted letters. Several letters from Africa, particularly Nigeria, have been sent to people throughout the Detroit region. Some letters have a Sept. 11 postmark date.

"It has nothing to do with the terrorist attacks," Clenney confirmed. "It"s a huge fraud a scam that"s been going on for several years."

The letter states that a large amount of money needs to be transported from Nigeria to the United States and the recipient"s financial assistance is necessary. After the money is successfully transferred, the recipient will receive a significant cut of the transaction.

"It"s one of those things that"s too good to be true," Clenney said.

The letter should be thrown away upon receipt. "Do not provide any personal info," she stressed.