(WHTM) – The West Shore School District is warning parents of a phone scam where an individual calls from a number mirroring the school’s number and claims a child was kidnapped on school property.

According to a letter the district sent to families, a parent had received a call they believed was from the district saying their child had been taken, using a child’s voice crying in the call.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Nittany Insiders

The scammer also used easily found information on the school to sound convincing.

The district says another parent called the school and confirmed the student was not in danger.

“We are grateful that when faced with a very stressful situation, the parent was able to remain calm and contacted school staff and law enforcement for assistance,” said Superintendent Todd Stoltz, Ed. D.

‘Officer of the Year’ donates kidney to co-worker

Stoltz said there is no reason to believe any other West Shore Parents are being targeted, but reminded parents to check social media privacy settings.

The district said their resource officer recommended parents not respond to these types of calls, verify their child’s whereabouts, and report the incident to police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.