Prank calls send people to Fargo hospitals

Authorities in Fargo are investigating at least three prank phone calls in which someone posed as a doctor and asked the recipients to come to the hospital to identify a loved one's body.

Two people in Fargo and one in Moorhead received calls Thursday, telling them they needed to come to the hospital to identify a body, according to Fargo Police Sgt. Mark Lykken.

Police believe the calls came from the same person. Two of the call recipients showed up at Innovis Hospital in Fargo, only to find out the calls were a prank, Lykken said.

"We get massive amounts of prank calls, but nothing like this," Lykken said. "It's not a funny joke."

The pranks are considered a form of disorderly conduct and are punishable by 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, according to Lykken.

Police are asking anyone who receives such a phone call to try to get a number that the person is calling from and return the call.

Anyone with information is also asked to call the Fargo Police Department at (701) 235-4493.