Inside the Wave of Fake Police Calls: from Revenge 911 Hoaxes to Neighborhood Lockdowns

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Q1: Why can't 911 dispatchers instantly trace fake emergency calls?
Most swatting perpetrators route calls through Voice over IP (VoIP) software, proxy relays, or offshore SIP trunks. These tools allow the caller to input any sequence of ten digits into the caller ID field, misleading older Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that still rely on basic legacy caller information.

Q2: What should I do if police officers surround my house during a swatting incident?
Do not run, reach into your pockets, or carry items that could resemble a weapon. Keep your hands empty and held high above your head, follow verbal directions from officers immediately, and state clearly that you live at the address and suspect you are the victim of a hoax 911 call.

Q3: What legal consequences do swatting perpetrators face when caught?
Swatting perpetrators face severe state and federal charges, including conspiracy, making interstate terroristic threats, and aggravated harassment. If an incident results in physical injury or death, offenders are charged with manslaughter or aggravated assault, carrying prison terms running upwards of 15 to 25 years alongside full financial restitution for response costs.