Swatting: What Is It, and How Do You Prevent It?

Swatting is a malicious act where someone makes a fake emergency call to the police, leading to the dispatch of heavily armed police teams (SWAT) to an unsuspecting victim's home. It's a dangerous hoax that can result in severe consequences like - physical harm, property damage, and even loss of life. In addition to the immediate danger, swatting can also cause emotional distress and trauma for the victims and their families.

In May 2023, the FBI took a significant step forward to tackle this problem by creating a national database. The database was made with the help of several other law enforcement agencies nationwide. Since the collaborative effort began in June 2023, the national database has identified 129 swatting cases. 

Table of Content (TOC)

1. What is Swatting?
2. How Does Swatting Happen?
3. Why Do People "Swat" Others?
4. Who are the Victims of Swatting?
5. What Are the Dangers of Swatting?
6. How Does Swatting Affect Marginalized Communities?
7. Real-Life Examples of Swatting
8. What Legal Measures Exist Against Swatting?
9. How To Prevent Swatting?
10. What To Do Once You Are Swatted?

What is Swatting? (Swatting Definition)

Swatting Definition: Swatting is a dangerous form of harassment where a person makes a false report to emergency services to send a large police response, often a SWAT team, to an unsuspecting victim's address under false pretences. 

This practice originated in online gaming communities as a way to retaliate or prank other players. Over time, swatting has evolved beyond gaming circles, becoming a serious concern. 

How Does Swatting Happen?

Swatting typically involves a swatter (caller) making a deceptive call to emergency services, often claiming a severe and immediate threat such as a hostage situation, shooting, or bomb threat at the victim's location.

Swatters often obtain their target's personal information through various methods such as doxing (doxxing), phishing, eavesdropping, etc. Once they collect this information, they use technology like caller ID spoofing or internet-based telephony services to disguise their identity and location when making a deceptive call to emergency services. 

Why Do People "Swat" Others?

The motivations behind swatting vary, but they often stem from a desire for revenge, power, or amusement. In online gaming communities, it could be used as a form of retaliation against a rival or as a cruel prank. Outside of gaming, it can be a tool for personal vendettas or cyberbullying. 

Some individuals engage in swatting to assert dominance or control over others, enjoying the chaos and fear it creates. The anonymity of the internet and the thrill of evading law enforcement can also be enticing factors.

Who are the Victims of Swatting?

Swatting victims are often individuals who are active in online communities. This includes gamers, streamers, and online celebrities. These targets are typically chosen because their personal information is readily accessible or because they have high visibility online, making the impact of the swatting more public and disruptive. 

Journalists, activists, and even politicians have fallen prey to swatting, typically as intimidation or retaliation for their work or views. The common thread among victims is their online presence, which inadvertently makes their personal information more vulnerable to malicious actors.

What Are the Dangers of Swatting?

Swatting poses severe risks, including potential violence, financial burdens, and the wastage of critical emergency resources. The unexpected deployment of a SWAT team can escalate into violent confrontations, risking lives and causing psychological trauma. 

Financially, these operations are costly for law enforcement agencies, diverting funds and workforce from real emergencies. Above all, swatting drains emergency response resources, potentially delaying assistance to those in genuine need. 

How Does Swatting Affect Marginalized Communities?

Swatting hits marginalized groups like women, people of colour, and LGBTQ+ individuals harder. These groups often face more online bullying, making them easier targets for swatting. 

It's used to scare or silence them, especially if they are outspoken or activists. The fear of being swatted can stop them from being active online or speaking out, affecting their freedom to express themselves.

Real-Life Examples of Swatting

Tyler Barriss Incident: Tyler Barriss, known for multiple swatting incidents, made a hoax call in December 2017 claiming a violent situation at a Wichita, Kansas, home. This led to the tragic shooting of Andrew Finch, an innocent man, by responding officers. Finch was not involved in the dispute that led to the swatting call​.

Paul Denino: Twitch streamer Paul Denino, also known as "Ice_Poseidon," experienced numerous swatting incidents, notably in April 2017. While live streaming at an airport, a hoax call led to Denino being escorted off a plane and extensively questioned, disrupting airport operations.

Mir Islam: In 2016, Mir Islam was sentenced for his role in various swatting and doxing incidents. His targets included the University of Arizona, where he called in a bomb threat and falsely reported an active shooter on campus, often for entertainment. 

What Legal Measures Exist Against Swatting?

In the United States, swatting can be prosecuted under federal laws, including "Threatening interstate communications" and "Conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, victim, or informant."

States like California and New Jersey have specific laws with increased penalties for swatting. A 2015 federal bill also classified swatting as a federal crime with severe penalties​​.

How To Prevent Swatting?

Here are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of swatting:

Protect Your Personal Information Online

• Be cautious about sharing personal details like your full name, address, or phone number on social media, forums, or online gaming platforms.
• Adjust privacy settings on social media to limit who can view your posts and personal information.
• Use a pseudonym or handle instead of your real name where appropriate.

Use a VPN

• A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help mask your IP address, making it more difficult for someone to locate your physical address through your online activity.

Be Aware of Social Engineering

• Swatters may try to trick you or others into revealing personal information. Be cautious about unsolicited contact or suspicious requests for information.
• Educate family members, especially children, about the importance of not sharing personal details with strangers online.

Secure Your Accounts

• Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication where available to add an extra layer of security.

Regularly Update Your Security Software

• Ensure your computer and other devices are protected with updated antivirus and anti-malware software.

Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or sharing personal information over public Wi-Fi networks.

Contact Local Law Enforcement

• In some areas, police departments created a "swatting registry": a list of names and addresses of individuals who self-report that they could be at risk for a swatting attack. You can proactively contact your local police department about your concerns. This can help them respond more appropriately if a false report is made.

Maintain a Low Profile Online

• If you're involved in activities that could make you a target (like competitive gaming or online activism), consider keeping a low profile to avoid attracting the attention of potential swatters.

Monitor Your Digital Footprint

• Regularly search for your name and other personal details online to see what information is publicly accessible and take steps to remove or secure it.

What To Do Once You Are Swatted?

If you are targeted in a swatting attack, staying calm and cooperating with law enforcement is crucial. When a SWAT team responds to a swatting call, they believe they're dealing with a high-risk emergency, and any sudden movements can be misinterpreted as hostile. Therefore, cooperation is crucial. 

You may also experience house searches or temporary handcuffing. Follow officers' instructions and explain the situation calmly. After the incident, reporting the swatting to the authorities is critical. By reporting the incident and pressing charges, you seek justice and help prevent future occurrences of this dangerous prank.