Oregon FBI launches campaign against hoax threats

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a campaign to educate the public on the consequences of posting hoax threats to schools and other public places. This campaign, #ThinkBeforeYouPost, includes public service announcements, social media posts and digital billboards. It is currently running in Oregon and around the country.

In particular, the FBI said in a news release it would like to thank Lamar Advertising and Pacific Outdoor for donating digital billboard space in Oregon. Here’s the rest of their announcement:

Billboards in the following locations are running the “ThinkBeforeYouPost messaging:

Pacific Outdoor

Hillsboro (Hwy. 8 west of Brookwood Avenue) Clackamas (Hwy. 212 east of I-205) Portland (Hwy. 224 west of I-205) Portland (SW Canyon Road) Beaverton (Canyon Road & SW 108th Avenue)

Lamar Advertising

Salem (2 boards) Corvallis (1 board) Medford (1 board)

“We are grateful for the business community’s assistance in spreading the word about this dangerous – and expensive – problem that law enforcement and our schools are facing,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

“We are working together to encourage people to report threats they come across – whether on social media, through gaming sites or in person. At the same time, we want to make sure that those who are posting hoax threats truly understand the severe consequences they could face for their actions,” Cannon said.

Investigations into hoax threats drain resources and cost taxpayers a great deal of money. When an investigation concludes that there was a false or hoax threat made to a school or other public place, the person posting the threat could face a federal charge and a maximum sentence of five years in prison. State charges are also possible.

In the aftermath of attacks such as the ones at Santa Fe High School in Texas on May 18th and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida on February 14th, the FBI and law enforcement around the country often see an increase in threats made to schools and other public forums.

The FBI and its partners follow up on every tip received from the public, and we analyze and investigate all threats to determine their credibility. Federal, state and local law enforcement then work together. using a full range of tools to mitigate those threats as needed.

We ask that the public continue to contact law enforcement to report any potential threats or suspicious activity. If you believe there is an immediate risk to yourself or others, call 911. Otherwise, if you want to report a possible threat, you can call your local police, submit a written tip at tips.fbi.gov or call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. As always, members of the public can also call the nearest FBI field office to report information. In Oregon, the 24-hour number is (503) 224-4181.

Early intervention can prevent a situation from escalating – allowing law enforcement time to identify, assess and manage the threat. Remember, if you see something, say something. Hoax threats are not a joke, so think before you post!