The FBI Boston Division is launching a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the consequences of making hoax threats of violence to schools, events, and other public places and reminds everyone that any threat is taken with the utmost seriousness and will be quickly and thoroughly addressed by law enforcement. Hoax threats are not a joke; they are a crime.

In the aftermath of tragic shootings such as the ones at Santa Fe High School in Texas and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, the FBI and law enforcement agencies around the country often see an increase in threats made to schools, events, and other public buildings.

“You might be angry, you may be joking, or looking for a way to be heard, or seek revenge, but you need to stop and think before you post because making any threat, even a hoax, has consequences. It drains critical law enforcement resources, diverts first responders away from actual emergencies and is an unnecessary burden on the taxpayers,” said Harold H. Shaw, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, which covers all of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners spend countless hours following up on the tips we receive, all in an effort to determine their credibility and take steps to mitigate any risk to the public. There is no alternative—there is too much at stake—and we’re always concerned that the subject behind the threat intends to follow through with their actions,” added Shaw.

In the last five years, the number of hoax threats made against schools and other public places through various social media platforms here in the Boston Division have tripled. “Based on our estimates, we’re receiving reports of at least two threats a day that turn out to be hoaxes,” added Shaw.

When an investigation concludes a false or hoax threat has been made to a school, events, or another public place, state or federal charges could be levied. A federal charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Public assistance is crucial to our efforts to curb these hoax threats. We ask that the public continue to contact law enforcement to report any potential threats or suspicious activity. If there is any reason to believe the safety of others is at risk, we ask that the public immediately reach out to their local police department by calling 911.

Early intervention can prevent a situation from escalating by identifying, assessing, and managing the threat. Remember, if you see something, say something. Hoax threats are not a joke, so think before you post.

A limited amount of posters are available for distribution to area schools upon request.

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