Social media hoax threats targeting schools and other public places in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island have tripled in the past five years, according to Harold H. Shaw, special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston Division.
"Based on our estimates, we're receiving reports of at least two threats a day that turn out to be hoaxes," Shaw said.
The FBI Boston Division announced today it is launching a campaign to educate the public about the consequences of making hoax threats, including the potential for a five-year sentence in a federal prison.
The FBI said active-shooter tragedies such as the country is grappling with sometimes spur an increase in threats.
"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," Shaw said. "It drains critical law enforcement resources, diverts first responders away from actual emergencies, and is an unnecessary burden on our taxpayers.
"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," he said.
The FBI urges the public to continue reaching out to law enforcement to report any potential threats or suspicious activity, stressing that if there is any reason to believe the safety of others is at risk to call 911 immediately.
Never post or send hoax threats. Should you see a threat of violence posted on social media, notify police or the FBI, but do not share, forward or delete the threat until law enforcement has conducted an investigation, as this can spread misinformation and cause panic.
