A California police department is warning people about a phone case that resembles a gun, saying that they should encourage others to avoid buying it or using it because it could potentially get someone shot.

Aaron P. Sheehan, who identified himself as a police officer on his Facebook page, posted a few photos of the incognito phone case on Sept. 24. When tucked into a person’s back pocket, the black phone cover looks just like the handle of a weapon, with no indication that it isn’t the real thing.

“As a police officer … please, please do not buy this or allow your children to have this new phone case!” Sheehan wrote. “Hell, tell everyone you know, not just your kids!!”

The post has been shared more than 180,000 times, with thousands of comments from people concerned about potential accidents that could arise from a false threat caused by the phone case.

On Monday, the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff’s Association confirmed those dangers by reposting the photos alongside a severe warning.

“Regular citizens will see it and call 911 and then law enforcement will respond accordingly for a subject with a gun call,” the post reads. “At minimum, someone will be proned out on the ground until the LEOs [law enforcement officers] can secure the ‘Phone case’ or someone could potentially get shot depending on their actions when LEOs respond.”

In February, a Florida high school was put on lockdown after a student called police after seeing a fellow student using a gun-shaped phone case. The suspect was charged with misdemeanor disruption of an educational institution.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• Middle school graduates given bulletproof shields, which doesn’t inspire confidence

• ‘Utterly tasteless’: People are freaking out over photo in British Vogue showing Victoria and David Beckham’s kids shooting water guns

• Donald Trump Jr. shares photo of 9-year-old son carrying a gun on hunting trip

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