What are swatting threats?

“Swatting” is a criminal harassment tactic where an individual makes a false report to emergency services, typically involving a serious crime such as a bomb threat, active shooter, or hostage situation. The goal of the individual making the false report is to have a SWAT team, or other specialized police unit, respond to the location provided in the report.

This type of hoax call can put people in danger and is a serious crime. It can lead to injury or death of innocent people, as well as wasting resources of law enforcement agencies. The consequences of swatting can be severe, including fines and imprisonment.

It’s important for individuals to be aware of swatting and the potential risks it poses. If you receive a swatting threat, it is important to contact the police immediately and provide them with any information you have. It’s also important to report any suspicious activity or behavior to the appropriate authorities.

What is important to remember if a person receives a swatting call?

If a person receives a swatting call, it is important to remember the following:

1. Remain calm: Swatting calls are intended to create panic and fear. It’s important to stay calm and not to let the caller’s actions affect you.
2. Do not hang up: Stay on the line with the caller to provide as much information as possible to the police.
3. Take note of the caller’s phone number and address, if possible.
4. Do not reveal personal information: The caller may try to gather personal information. Do not provide any personal information, such as your name or address.
5. Follow the instructions of the emergency services: If emergency services are dispatched, follow their instructions and cooperate with them.
6. Report the incident to the police: Contact the police immediately to report the swatting call.
7. Report to the social media platform or messaging app: If the swatting call came from a social media platform or messaging app, report it to the service provider.

It’s important to remember that swatting is a serious crime, and it is important to report the incident to the police and cooperate with them to help identify the person responsible. It’s also important to be aware of the potential risks of swatting and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and others.

Here are a few resources you can use to learn more about swatting threats:

1. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has information on swatting and other types of cybercrime on its website: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber
2. The United States Department of Justice also provides information on swatting and other types of cybercrime: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ccips/types-cyber-crime
3. The Cyberbullying Research Center provides information on swatting and other types of cyberbullying: https://cyberbullying.org/swatting
4. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) provides resources on swatting and other types of hate crimes: https://www.adl.org/resources/glossary/swatting
5. The National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA) provides information on swatting and other types of cybercrime: https://www.ncfta.net/resources/types-of-cybercrime
6. Reunification Plans necessary following evacuations: https://active-defender.com/catastrophe-reunification-plan/

These are a few of the resources available online, you can also consult with local law enforcement agencies to get more information on swatting and how to stay safe.

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