Fake social media threats against local schools prompt investigation

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Parents across the country are concerned following recent fake social media threats against schools.

At the local level, school districts are combating the threats with letters to parents.

Vancouver Public Schools sent out a letter Friday morning, citing the rise in school threat rumors and claiming they are working with Vancouver Police and the Clark County Sheriff's Office to determine the legitimacy of specific threats.

Meanwhile, Beaverton School District also sent a letter of its own, stating their awareness of hoax messaging tied to Friday the 13th.

"We’re closely monitoring social media and working with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly assess each and every threat for credibility," the letter said. "Please take this opportunity to remind your students of our policy — 'if you see something, say something.'”

All of this comes amid threats made in school districts in Sweet Home and Greater Albany Public School districts in Oregon, as well as Fort Vancouver and Mountain View High Schools in Washington.