FBI: Number of hoax threats in Boston area tripled in last 5 years

BOSTON — The Boston FBI Office says it is busier than ever chasing down hoax threats.

Last September alone, Waltham Public Schools dealt with 24 emailed bomb threats. They turned out to be hoaxes, but they were not only a drain on resources but also a psychological drain on students, faculty, and parents.

"We've seen threats to schools... we've seen threats to special events... or other large gatherings of individuals," said Special Agent Harold Shaw, FBI Boston.

Now, the FBI is rolling out a public service campaign #ThinkBeforeYouPost. It features a young man who was actually arrested by the FBI for making a threat online, which he didn't see as a threat at all.

The campaign is meant to serve as a reminder of the serious consequences that await those who engage in posts open to perception.

Hoax threats is a growing problem. The Boston division reports the number in this area has tripled in the past five years and keeps them busy.

"Trying to discern what's a hoax and what's a legitimate threat is very difficult. But we have to take it as every threat that comes in you know, is serious it has to be run to ground it has to be thoroughly investigated," said Shaw.

Professor T. Barton Carter teaches law at Boston University and says it's important to remember that 'true threats' are not considered protected free speech.

"I can't go up to you with a gun and say your money or your life and then claim the First Amendment," said Carter.

He says the instantaneous nature of social media, coupled with its detachment has made it a preferred vehicle for transmitting threats.

"You can be anonymous. In other words, there's no risk. And people just feel free to say things that they wouldn't say in other circumstances," said Carter.

Federal charges for false threats could get you five years in prison.

Cox Media Group