Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Swatting: Harmless Prank or Serious Crime

Earlier this week Miley Cyrus was the victim of  a "swatting" prank when police descended upon her home after receiving a 911 call about a home invasion there.   Swatting is an attempt to trick an emergency service into dispatching an emergency response team, preferably a SWAT team.  The caller typically places a 911 call using a spoofed phone number using tech skills to cover their identity. 
Needless to say, these calls are illegal and dangerous. The community is placed in danger as it takes first responders from real emergencies.  Swatters have been tracked down through the cooperative efforts of local, state, and federal agencies.

Warn your children that this is NOT a harmless prank, this is a very serious crime and has seen convicted "swatters" receiving anywhere from 3 to 11 years in prison.

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