Island Trees, Plainedge, Seaford school districts targeted by new 'Cat in the Hat' hoax

Nassau County police are warning families and school leaders about a new "Cat in the Hat" hoax that has gained momentum online.

The prank consists of videos and pictures generated through artificial intelligence of the Dr. Seuss figure making threats against schools and communities. The hoax gained steam in Europe and eventually made its way to the United States, authorities said. 

Nassau police said they have received reports of threats against at least three school districts, including two on Friday. The districts are Island Trees, Plainedge and Seaford, police said.

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said Friday that the images have included messages such as "I'm coming for you" or "I'm coming to your middle school." They were not deemed credible threats, but he said police issued a warning in hopes of getting ahead of the issue before it escalates. 

"If you cause a panic in a school and that school has to go to a lockdown, or that school has to do an evacuation, that's a criminal charge of making a threat of mass harm," Ryder said. "But we're trying to stop it from taking it to the next level."

Ryder advised anyone that sees this type of threat online to contact police. The department's phone number is 516-573-8800.

"If you see something, say something," Ryder said.