Swatting Response and Safety Resources

Swatting is a malicious act that can involve placing false emergency calls to emergency responders, often reporting a (false) severe, ongoing crisis at a specific location. The goal of swatting is to provoke a significant law enforcement response, creating chaos and potentially resulting in violence.

Swatting:

• Typically involves claims of violent crimes such as active shooters, bomb threats or hostage situations.
• Can target individuals, businesses, government officials, schools, faith-based institutions and even federal facilities.
• Is illegal and carries serious legal consequences for perpetrators.

There have been a number of recent swatting incidents across the country. To learn more about these incidents and campuses' responses, you can visit Inside Higher Ed.

Swatting, like doxing and phishing, often relies on open-source information and social engineering techniques to gather details about an individual or location. Swatters use deception tactics and different types of technology to manipulate law enforcement into responding to a fabricated emergency.

Law enforcement officers are best equipped to identify whether or not a call is a hoax and what the proper emergency response may be. Below are some of the signs that may indicate a call is swatting; these details can help law enforcement determine the needed course of action.

• The caller uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services or spoofed phone numbers.
• The call comes from suspicious or untraceable sources.
• Highly specific details are provided to make the threat seem credible.
• There are inconsistent details.
• Multiple names and addresses are provided.
• These calls often come to routine non-emergency numbers instead of the caller dialing 9-1-1

If you suspect a swatting attempt, follow these steps to ensure safety and proper reporting. It is important to take every call seriously, even if you suspect it is a hoax, so that law enforcement can proceed with safety measures and investigate as needed.

• Alert law enforcement: Immediately notify law enforcement at your location and/or dial 911.
• Remain calm and assess the situation: If an emergency seems unusual or lacks clear evidence, please approach it with caution.

Swatting incidents are more than just a nuisance—they create serious risks to law enforcement officers, university communities and the public.

• Techniques divert critical resources: Swatting pulls officers away from real emergencies, potentially delaying response times for actual threats.
• Endangers innocent people: The confusion caused by a swatting call can result in unnecessary law enforcement confrontations or use of force against unsuspecting individuals.
• Creates mistrust in emergency response: Repeated false alarms may desensitize responders, reducing their ability to assess true threats effectively.
• Financial and operational costs: Responding to hoax emergencies wastes taxpayer money and drains resources.

We recognize that swatting incidents create anxiety for university communities. While hoax calls outnumber active shooter incidents on university campuses, it is important that we all understand the safety resources available to us so we are prepared in the event of an emergency.

USD uses the Everbridge emergency notification system to alert the campus community of emergencies. Through the Everbridge mobile app, faculty, staff and students have access to additional, enhanced safety features that help keep our community safe and informed during crisis situations. We encourage faculty, staff and students to ensure you have up-to-date contact information registered in this system; more information and steps are available here. You can view steps to download the Everbridge mobile app here.

Visit the Security and Safety page on the USD website for more resources.