Statement of Archdiocese of Washington on Threatening Phone Scam

We became aware earlier today that a parent with a child in an archdiocesan school was contacted by phone by an individual claiming to have kidnapped their child.  Police were immediately contacted; this parent confirmed their child was safe in school, and this was quickly identified as a scam. Out of respect for the privacy of this family that suffered this scam, we cannot provide additional details. Subsequently police informed us of a second, similar scam at an independent, private school unrelated to the Archdiocese.

We take the safety of our students seriously. Out of an abundance of caution, the archdiocesan schools office notified our school communities so that both parents and schools would be prepared to respond appropriately if any of them were targeted.

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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 95 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.

CONTACT:
Chieko Noguchi
301-853-4516
[email protected]