The Bay Shore School District is warning parents about a new phone scam meant to fool them into thinking their child has been kidnapped.

According to district officials, the scam begins with parents receiving a phone call from someone who claims their child has been kidnapped. That person then demands ransom money through a cash app.

This has apparently been happening in neighboring communities, the district says. It was not specified exactly where.

In some cases, the scammer puts a child on the phone to pose as the kidnapping victim.

The Islip School District has also shared the alert with families.

Anyone who receives a call like this should hang up and dial 911immediately, or call their child’s school to make sure they are safe.

It's unclear if police are investigating, or if the scammers have succeeded in taking money from any victims.