As students return to school in the coming weeks, FBI Philadelphia reminds the public, especially students, making hoax threats – whether spoken, written, posted online, or shared on social media – is a serious criminal offense with lasting consequences.

Making a hoax threat of violence is a criminal act and a student can face serious consequences that can have a profound impact on their future.

Even if it was meant to be a joke, calling in a fake threat of violence is a state crime as well as a federal crime, according to authorities.

In most cases, joke or not, hoax threats lead to the suspension or expulsion of the student, and in some cases arrest and imprisonment, according to a press release from the FBI dated Aug. 14.

Law enforcement is required to act once a threat is reported. Law enforcement handles each threat of violence as credible until proven otherwise. Even false threats can cause real harm – putting strain on students, school personnel, law enforcement and the community as a whole.

Multiple social media sites now self-report on language they deem threatening in nature, even if the hoax threat was posted in a private group chat.

If you see a threat of violence such as a school shooting or bombing threat, or other any related threat posted on social media or sent in a text message, immediately contact local law enforcement or a local FBI field office.

Tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. FBI Philadelphia can be reached at 215-418-4000.