
Home Swatting: I Asked Police for Details, Here's What I Learned About This Crime Trend
Swatting began in the gaming world as a particularly malicious joke after a bad game, related to doxxing people and making online threats. But it's grown since then, with swatting becoming a consequence of political disagreements, neighborhood feuds and teenage dares. It's also grown more sophisticated, with websites and apps springing up that let you spoof your phone number (or using a VoIP service) and disguise your voice. Some even hack into vulnerable security cameras when they do it.
Obviously, that's a huge headache for anyone from gamers to public figures, so it's no surprise if you're wondering about the chances of getting swatted too. I spoke with law enforcement and emergency response specialists to get the good news, the bad news and everything in between on home swatting, including what you can do to stay as safe as possible.
First, the good news about swatting
Many police departments are now ready for swatting problems.
Jacob Wackerhausen via Getty
Swatting has been around long enough that law enforcement and emergency communication centers are generally aware of it. The FBI continues to issue guidance alerts, including the latest public service announcement from April 2025. That means swatting is a bit less likely to work since responders are increasingly aware of swatting signs, like spoofed or blocked numbers, a lack of background noises, a lack of nearby confirming calls and a caller who cannot confirm key details.
I reached out to the Portland Police Bureau to learn more. Public Information Officer Sergeant Kevin Allen had encouraging information. "Every time I have heard about it happening, the initially responding patrol officers have done a phenomenal job of vetting the call and determining that it is not legitimate." That's helping to avoid the fear, money and time that is wasted when people are swatted.
The FBI has worked to raise awareness of swatting, too. And despite the dangers, deaths resulting from swatting are very, very low and confined to a handful of tragic cases, such as a case in Kansas in 2017 and another in Tennessee in 2020. And now that a number of swatters have been sentenced to serious prison time, internet trolls know they can face real consequences.
However, the problem is that the allegations in swatting are so serious -- like murder, kidnapping, bomb threats, etc. -- that emergency services generally have to investigate. And police don't always know if it's a swatting case until they arrive at an address and check it out, which is why it can be so dangerous. But there are safety measures that you and your friends and family can take.
What to do if you think you've been swatted
You can prepare for swatting if you believe you've been threatened.
kali9 via Getty
If you've gotten threatening messages or other signs that make you think that you've just been swatted or that you will be swatted soon, there are a few important things you can do right away to stay safe.
Contact law enforcement
Reach out to your local police and explain the problem. "If someone thinks they might be targeted, it's a good idea to file an informational police report about it," Allen said. "Responding officers would have access to that typically, and that would help."
Responses to worries about swatting can vary, but sometimes reporting that you're worried you've been swatted will be able to help. "Here in Portland, officers may set up a perimeter around a residence and try to make phone contact," Allen mentioned, "So having an accurate and current name and phone number in the system is really helpful."
Also contact your local emergency communications center and explain the issue to them. Often, they'll also be able to put in a note for your address that says you are worried that you've been swatted.
Get loved ones to a safe place
If possible, relocate pets and family until the swatting danger appears to have passed. You may not have a lot of time, but do what you can to make sure arriving police officers won't be running into your pets or scaring any children.
Stay aware and alert
If you get threatening messages in a game or online forum, take them seriously and start paying attention for signs of swatting. "It's smart to maintain some awareness about what's happening in your home," Sergeant Allen advised. "Sometimes we find people are home alone, playing video games with their sound-blocking headphones and can't hear us calling, knocking or 'loud hailing' -- that's when we use a loudspeaker to call into a home."
Prep your home for a visit
Remember, law enforcement is often required to investigate swatting claims even if it's a prank. That means you may still get a visit even if you do everything right. Store any weapons you have and prepare to greet police.
When I talked with John Chiaramonte, president of consulting services at 911 facilitator Mission Critical Partners, he suggested, "Stay calm, follow police commands and avoid sudden movements...comply with commands and clarify when it's safe. Afterward, file a report and preserve any threatening messages."
Chiaramonte believes that additional federal legislation should address swatting, but for now he said to remember that police officers often believe it's a real emergency. "Awareness, preparation and communication can help ensure a safe outcome," he said.
How to avoid being swatted
You can help lower the risk of swatting if you think you may be a target.
Maria Korneeva via Getty
"It's difficult to 'prevent' swatting," Sergeant Allen told me. Swatting is frightening because it's uncontrollable, and you usually don't know when or even why it's happening. But there are several practical steps that can reduce your risk, especially when it comes to the internet hordes.
Turn off location services : If your gaming platform or communication hub uses location-based services, turn them off when possible. They make it much easier to find your real address online. You can usually find these settings in your profile or data-sharing sections of the apps you use.
: If your gaming platform or communication hub uses location-based services, turn them off when possible. They make it much easier to find your real address online. You can usually find these settings in your profile or data-sharing sections of the apps you use. Wipe your address from the internet : "Review your online presence for sensitive personal information that could enable malicious actors to conduct a swatting attack," the FBI suggests. I have a full guide on how to do this here. You can't usually scrub your address everywhere, but you can make it a lot harder to find. Steps like using a P.O. Box and sending requests to take down personal contact info can make a big difference. Plus, you may get less junk mail.
: "Review your online presence for sensitive personal information that could enable malicious actors to conduct a swatting attack," the FBI suggests. I have a full guide on how to do this here. You can't usually scrub your address everywhere, but you can make it a lot harder to find. Steps like using a P.O. Box and sending requests to take down personal contact info can make a big difference. Plus, you may get less junk mail. Don't share your address on social media or other sites : From your profile info to other ID data, don't include information on your address or the city you live in on any social media that you use. If you use a payment service, create a separate one for your online activities that doesn't have your real name attached. "Exercise care when posting content (including photos and videos) or sharing it with individuals online," the FBI reminds. That includes platforms like Reddit, Discord or Twitch.
: From your profile info to other ID data, don't include information on your address or the city you live in on any social media that you use. If you use a payment service, create a separate one for your online activities that doesn't have your real name attached. "Exercise care when posting content (including photos and videos) or sharing it with individuals online," the FBI reminds. That includes platforms like Reddit, Discord or Twitch. Use a VPN if worried : A VPN can make it much harder to track your IP address and similar info that could be used to identify your location by a more determined swatter. If you're worried and you aren't already using a VPN, this is an excellent opportunity to get one.
: A VPN can make it much harder to track your IP address and similar info that could be used to identify your location by a more determined swatter. If you're worried and you aren't already using a VPN, this is an excellent opportunity to get one. Remember, swatting thrives on conflict: Unless you are a celebrity, swatting usually has some purpose or triggering event behind it. The more you avoid open conflict online and if you, well, generally avoid being an asshole, the less likely it is someone will swat you.
Do you need to worry about accidentally swatting someone?
Not really. If you're as honest as possible with emergency services, they should be able to help you out even if you accidentally get an address wrong or lose your train of thought. But it's a good idea to take a deep breath and try not to flub any details if you're dialing 911 in an emergency.
For more helpful info from our experts, check out the best home security systems, how to update your smart home passwords and if you need to worry about any kinds of smart home hacking.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
N.Y. Man, 25, Who Had Plans to Propose to His Girlfriend, Was Shot and Killed While in Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny Concert
Kevin Mares "had a bright future ahead," his family saidNEED TO KNOW A New York man, who was visiting Puerto Rico to see Bad Bunny in concert with a group of friends, was fatally shot on Sunday, Aug. 10 Police believe 25-year-old Kevin Mares was a bystander in the incident, as a fight broke out between two people standing nearby "Kevin had a bright future ahead, with plans to propose to his girlfriend of six years this fall, and he was always creating memories with those closest to him," his family saidA New York man, who was visiting Puerto Rico to see Bad Bunny in concert with a group of friends, was shot and killed. According to reports from the Associated Press and CBS News, 25-year-old Kevin Mares was in the coastal San Juan neighborhood of La Perla early on Sunday, Aug. 10, when a fight broke out between two other people. Mares, who is believed to have been a bystander in the incident, was shot after one of the people arguing pulled out a gun. He sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his abdomen and was rushed to Puerto Rico's largest public hospital, where he died, the outlets reported. Homicide Detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz told the AP that the person who pulled out a gun shot at least three people, including two men who live in the area. They were injured and remained hospitalized. "We're still in the early stages of establishing a motive for the events. We can't rule anything out until the interviews are completed," Ruiz said, per El Nuevo Dia. The sergeant also confirmed that Mares and his three friends, who were also from New York, were among thousands of people who had traveled to Puerto Rico for one of Bad Bunny's 30 residency concerts. According to Ruiz, investigators are unsure of what the argument was about, and they do not yet have a description of the shooter. "We have very little information," he said. La Perla is located on the outskirts of the Old San Juan historic district, a popular tourist destination, according to AP. La Perla was previously known for its violence, and police were known to stay away from the community until 2011, the outlet reported, when federal agents raided the area. Tourists have visited the area more regularly since then. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Bad Bunny's 30-night residency — titled No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí (I Don't Want to Leave Here) — is being held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, located in San Juan's Hato Rey neighborhood. The musician will perform every weekend from Friday to Sunday, before wrapping on Sept. 14. Mares' family remembered the 25-year-old as a "deeply loved son, devoted friend" who was set to propose to his longtime girlfriend later this year. "His wholehearted kindness, adventurous spirit, and unwavering commitment to family made him a pillar of strength for his loved ones," they wrote in a GoFundMe post, which has garnered more than $14,000 in donations to help transfer his body from Puerto Rico to New York and hold a funeral. "Kevin had a bright future ahead, with plans to propose to his girlfriend of six years this fall, and he was always creating memories with those closest to him," the family added. "Family was at the center of everything he did, and his sudden passing has left an unfillable void in our lives." Read the original article on People


Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Trump Says Homeless Must Move From D.C. ‘Immediately'—FBI Agents Reportedly Deployed
The FBI is set to deploy its agents to conduct night patrols in the nation's capital, according to multiple reports, as President Donald Trump said that homeless people living in the nation's capital would 'have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,' ahead of a planned press conference where he will address his claims that violent crime is widespread in the nation's capital, despite federal data indicating crime rates have fallen to historic lows. The president claimed Washington, D.C., had become "one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world," despite federal data indicating crime fell to historic lows. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. According to the New York Times and the Washington Post, the administration will pull 120 FBI agents, primarily from the agency's Washington field office, from their regular duty and deploy them on night patrol duty with local law enforcement officers to tackle street crime. A White House press conference on Monday will 'essentially stop violent crime' in Washington, D.C., Trump wrote on Truth Social, claiming the city had become 'one of the most dangerous' in the world. Trump said the press conference would take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, and would focus on 'ending the Crime, Murder, and Death in our Nation's Capital.' 'The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,' Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social accompanied by images of a few tents and refuse scattered on the side of the road and the steps of a building, adding 'we will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.' Trump said his plans in D.C. include also 'beautification' efforts, and took the opportunity again to lambast the Federal Reserve for their yearslong headquarters renovation and ballooning budget of at least $2.5 billion on the project. Trump has claimed in recent months that violent crime was rampant in Washington, D.C., and has threatened to deploy the National Guard and have the city be taken over by the federal government, writing earlier this week that if 'D.C. doesn't get its act together, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the city.' Violent crime rates in Washington, D.C., dropped 35% from 2023 to 2024, marking the lowest rates recorded in more than 30 years, according to the Justice Department. According to data released Aug. 8 by the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime rates have continued to fall in 2025, with violent crime down 26% year-over-year. The MPD said homicide rates have dropped 12% on the year so far, sex abuse by 49%, assault with a dangerous weapon by 20% and robbery by 28%. Property crime rates have also fallen, including burglary (19%), theft from vehicles (4%) and other theft crimes (6%). However, Trump continued to insist Sunday that the crime numbers keep rising. 'The Mayor of D.C., Muriel Bowser, is a good person who has tried, but she has been given many chances, and the Crime Numbers get worse, and the City only gets dirtier and less attractive,' the president wrote on Truth Social. 'The American Public is not going to put up with it any longer.' Why Does Trump Want A Federal Takeover Of D.c.? Trump previously called for the federal government to take control of Washington, D.C., by falsely claiming violent crime rates were rising in the city. His latest calls follow an attack on a high-ranking member of the Department of Government Efficiency, as Trump wrote on Truth Social that crime in D.C. was 'out of control' and the federal government would 'put criminals on notice that they're not going to get away with it anymore.' MPD said two 15-year-old suspects were arrested and charged with unarmed carjacking, after Edward Coristine was assaulted in the early morning of Aug. 3. Bowser said that although the incident was unfortunate, crime in the city was already trending lower for the month. 'We had one of the lowest crime levels in shootings in a July in recent history,' the mayor said, later adding that carjackings fell 50% after spiking in 2023, and are still falling this year. It's not immediately clear whether Trump would bring in the National Guard, though the White House said in a statement that agents from some law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, immigration police and a dozen other offices were deployed early Friday. It's not immediately clear where or how many agents were deployed, though the White House said deployment was focused on 'high traffic areas and other known hotspots.' Officials will be 'identified, in marked units, and highly visible.' Bowser said she was concerned that deploying the National Guard would not be the most 'efficient' use of their time, explaining Sunday 'they're not law enforcement officials. These are men and women who leave their families to serve our country, and that is just not their primary role—to enforce local laws.' Earlier this year, Trump deployed about 4,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles in response to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Could Trump Order A Federal Takeover Of D.c.? Trump could lobby support for federal control of Washington, D.C., though doing so would require approval from Congress, which would need to vote to repeal the 1973 Home Rule Act. The law established a legal framework for city residents to elect local officials, including a mayor and city council, to manage city business. A bill to repeal the Home Rule Act was introduced by Rep. Andrew Ogles, R-Tenn., in February, though the legislation has yet to move forward. Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., told Fox News she would 'totally' support Trump if he sought a federal takeover, adding, 'If that's what we need to do to get it done, that's what he should do.' Trump has said he would support a federal takeover of the MPD, falsely claiming the crime rate in the city was 'ridiculous,' though legal experts have said this would likely be challenged in court. On Sunday, Bowser said that the president could only take over the MPD if specific conditions were met. 'None of those conditions exist in our city right now. As I mentioned, we are not experiencing a spike in crime, in fact, we're watching our crime numbers go down.' Key Background Trump proposed the federal government's takeover of Washington, D.C., multiple times during his presidential campaign last year. He met with Mayor Muriel Bowser at his Mar-a-Lago property in December, during which Bowser said the pair discussed 'shared priorities.' Bowser has not directly addressed Trump's false claims of violent crime rates rising in the city, though she said in February that Washington, D.C. was a 'world-class city' and noted the city holds a AAA bond rating from Moody's and that violent crime was at a 30-year low. Bowser and Trump previously clashed in 2020, when Trump deployed the National Guard to the city as protests enveloped the city and others in the wake of George Floyd's murder. Are Federal Law Enforcement Agents Already Operating In D.c.? About 450 federal law enforcement agents were already deployed in D.C. and making arrests, FOX 5 DC reported. Law enforcement has not released official numbers for arrests. However, they reportedly include an individual detained for carrying a handgun without a license, a person driving on a suspended license and people riding dirt bikes in a park. Three guns were seized, including one that was stolen. 'We are not experiencing a crime spike. We do know that this task force has been focused on quality of life issues,' Bowser said Sunday. After reviewing the reported arrests, the mayor said 'that sounds like a typical MPD rundown of arrests that I review on a daily basis.' Forbes Trump Says Federal Government Should 'Take Over' And Run Washington, D.C. By Siladitya Ray


CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Man dies following late-night shooting in Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar
A man is dead after being shot and hit by a vehicle in Pittsburgh's Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood. Pittsburgh Police said officers from Zone 5 were called to the area of Wiltsie Street around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday night after people in the area reported hearing possible gunshots. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man who had been shot in the chest and in the leg, police said. Witnesses told police that after the man was shot, he was hit by a vehicle. Police said that officers tried to save the man's life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The man has not yet been identified, The police bureau's Mobile Crime Unit arrived to process evidence at the scene and police say the man's official cause of death will come from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office.