An alert has gone out to parents from the Bay Shore School District about a new phone scam meant to trick people into thinking their children have 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.

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 9-1-1 immediately.

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