Nearly a dozen school shooting hoaxes at universities have been reported across the country in the past week, according to the schools and law enforcement agencies. While these particular hoaxes, also known as "swatting calls," ended up being false alarms, experts note that these types of hoaxes are not only a serious crime with substantial penalties for those involved, but can also put first responders and bystanders at risk.

"Swatting is not a benign endeavor. Law enforcement is taking it seriously...when they are identified, they are arresting them and prosecuting them," said John Cohen, an ABC News contributor and a former acting undersecretary at the Department of Homeland Security.

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