Sinister 'Clowns' Are Scaring People In Multiple States: Why You Should Be Aware and Afraid

"Clowns may be intended to make us laugh, but...

they are also grotesque characters.Their appearance is a parody of a human face and body." In other words, clowns are the classic wolf in sheep's clothing ripe material for nightmares.

It's not clear why these reports are suddenly emerging.

Police have said that they believe some are hoaxes. "Some speculators have put forth that the clowns may be a viral campaign possibly for '31,' a new horror movie directed by Rob Zombie featuring homicidal carnival workers

The recent rash of clown-related reports has prompted Police to advise people against dressing like a clown:

"Dressing as a clown and driving, walking or standing in public can create a dangerous situation for you and others," it said in a Facebook post. "Please refrain from this unnecessary activity."

serial killer John Wayne Gacy and his penchant for dressing up as Pogo the Clown

the true source of the terrifying twist turning clowns from childhood laughs into nightmares could be serial killer John Wayne Gacy and his penchant for dressing up as Pogo the Clown.

The Illinois man who is known to have raped and killed at least 33 boys and young men in the 1970s was the original 'Killer Clown.'

Meanwhile, working clowns are frustrated about the upsetting encounters.

David McCullough, who performs in Texas as Kornpop the Klown, told The Washington Post that he has "worked very hard all my life to be a person that kids and their parents respect and can look up to."