Hoax School Threats Are No Joke, FBI Warns

SAN DIEGO, CA — With the school year starting, authorities warned students and the public Tuesday that hoax school threats are no joke. In fact, making fake treats is a federal crime.

According to the FBI San Diego Field Office, making hoax threats divert law enforcement officers from other crimes, cost taxpayers money, and cause emotional distress to students, parents and school personnel.

Making a hoax threat could land the poster or sender of the threats in federal prison for up to five years, according to the FBI. The perpetrator could also face state or local charges.

"Whether real or fake, the FBI takes every threat seriously putting our full investigative force behind each one," said Mark Dargis, special agent in charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. "My message to the public, and especially our school-age youth is this: If you make a hoax threat, the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify you and hold you accountable. Hoax threats are not a joke. Think twice before you post."

Report threats to 1-800-CALL FBI or tips.fbi.gov.