Here’s What Happens When Hackers Send a SWAT Team to Your House

In recent years, a small amount of hackers and gamers have been “swatting”—anonymously reporting fake hostage situations, shootings, and other violent crimes so elite police units (like SWAT teams) will bust down the doors of unsuspecting people’s homes.

Swatting is a dangerous and expensive prank. It’s also easy to pull off. With SWAT teams and paramilitary gear becoming the norm across America, these calls have predictably chaotic results.