Swatting

What Does Swatting Mean?

“Swatting” describes a situation in which someone makes a false emergency call in order to cause a large number of police officers to storm your home.

What Is the Goal of Swatting?

The goal of swatting is to frighten and put pressure on the affected person. It often happens during a livestream, so that other people can watch as the police or fire department suddenly “storm” into the person’s home.

For the perpetrators, it is usually about gaining attention, revenge, or simply deliberately harming someone.

What Are the Dangers?

Because the police or emergency services always assume that there is a real threat or danger, people can be injured. Someone may become frightened and react incorrectly – after all, most people do not expect such a police operation.

What many people also fail to consider is that a false emergency call unnecessarily uses emergency services and authorities. This can prevent them from helping people who are experiencing genuine and serious emergencies.

What Can You Do About It?

1. Take it seriously if someone threatens you with swatting or false emergency calls.

2. Do not participate under any circumstances. Even if others say it would be funny, it is illegal and dangerous.

3. Report it immediately to the relevant platform and to the police.