Suffolk School District Warns Families of Kidnapping Scam

BAY SHORE, NY — The Bay Shore community is currently on edge, after learning of a kidnapping scam circling the area.

In a letter on Wednesday, the Bay Shore Union Free District alerted families of the scam, which makes loved ones believe their child has been kidnapped.

The unknown individual have reached out to parents in neighboring districts through phone calls, text messages and emails, the letter said,

The district stated that different variations of the scam include:

• "A parent, guardian, or close family member receives a call asserting their child (student) has been or will be kidnapped.
• A money demand is made for immediate ransom or fee to be paid.
• Immediate payment is demanded via a cash app, such as Zelle, Venmo, etc."

Scammers are known to have placed unknown children on the phone pretending to be the kidnap victim, the district said.

In most cases, the parent will confirm the child is completely safe once verification is made, such as by calling the school.

Families who believe they have been affected by the scam are urged to contact police.