With so many pressing problems, emergency services can’t afford to waste time on swatting calls. Swatting, which involves falsely reporting an emergency, can divert resources and create a climate of panic. And in some swatting incidents, individuals are wrongly named as involved parties, and the police end up on their doorstep.
What should you do if you’re implicated in a swatting incident? Keep reading to learn how to handle swatting incidents safely and legally.
Remain Calm to Avoid Escalation
When you see the police pulling up, resist the temptation to defend your innocence right away. Instead, follow all instructions and avoid an argumentative stance. It is okay to tell law enforcement that you feel that you’re a victim in a swatting incident. But wait until the situation is less tense before doing so. Overall, it’s critical to be calm even in these first few moments to avoid the potential for escalation.
Reach Out to Police in Advance
While some swatting calls may blindside you, you may be aware of others in advance. Maybe you’ve been experiencing threatening emails or social media posts. If so, it’s best to reach out to local law enforcement ahead of a possible event. That way, they can flag your address and make a note.
Be sure to let the police know about the nature of the situation. Give them as many details as possible. And stay in touch with them if the problem accelerates and results in more concrete threats. You can help inform how officers will handle a swatting call if one happens. And work with a board-certified attorney, like Tad Law criminal defense services, to help guide your actions and preserve your name.
Save All Evidence
You may have an online paper trail of threatening messages or posts on social media. Maybe someone has been harassing you via text messages or pictures. Capture all of this evidence through time-stamped screenshots and archive any chats that could boost your case and expose the perpetrator.
After all, swatting can result in federal or state-level charges, depending on the situation. If someone files a false police report or causes injuries, they may face charges at the state level for harassment. Actions like wire fraud and threats can lead to federal charges and prison sentences.
Even the act of taking protective measures can be challenging, however. As a victim, don’t be afraid to seek mental health services, either, to work through the weight of harassment and swatting.
Be Prepared for Future Attacks
Swatting will always linger as a problem when you engage with others. Even so, you can minimize risks for swatting incidents with a few proactive measures. For starters, maintain a limited online profile. Don’t post private information, including contact details. If possible, use a P.O. box rather than your personal address.
Similarly, protect yourself by limiting how much you share on social media. Use strong passwords and change them periodically. Use stronger privacy settings on any platforms where you are active. And if you suspect any future issues, you could even ask for IP logs and preserve account information as a protective measure.
Stay Safe from Swatting
Swatting incidents have the capacity to hurt your reputation and cause messy legal entanglements. If involved in a swatting incident, remain calm when the police approach and document everything. Work with the police in advance, if possible, to alert them to threats, and maintain a limited online profile. With these efforts, you can move through a difficult swatting experience and stay safe.
