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.