Technique

Swatting

Also known as: SWATing, Hoax Emergency Call, False Emergency Report, Police Weaponization, Armed Response Hoax, 911 Swatting

EXPLOITATION

Making false emergency reports (bomb threats, hostage situations, active shooters) to dispatch armed police or SWAT teams to a victim's location, weaponizing law enforcement response.

Common attack flows

How it fits in a scam

This technique shows up duringEXPLOITATION

Before

DoxingEXPLOITATION

After

This is often where the scam ends.

Defense

How to defend against this

How to spot it

Unusual activity on social media accounts or smart home devices that may precede attack
Receiving threats that reference your home address or hint at something coming
Noticing your personal info compiled and shared in hostile online communities
Sudden unexplained police presence at your home without your call
Learning you've been doxed which is often a precursor to swatting
Strangers online threatening to send cops or similar language

Tools you can use

Steps you can take