Swatting Scams Are Real: Here’s How to Stay Safe (Especially If You Support Seniors)

Have you ever heard of “swatting”?

No, it’s not a new dance move your grandkids are doing on TikTok!

It's not anything to do with bugs either. 🪰

It's serious.

It’s a dangerous cyber hoax that's landing innocent people in real trouble. As someone passionate about tech support for seniors and everyday users, I couldn’t help but dig into the new PSA from the FBI and IC3. Here’s what you (and your community) need to know.👇

📣 What is Swatting?

Imagine this: someone calls emergency services pretending there’s a violent crime at your house. Suddenly, a SWAT team is at your door with sirens, flashing lights, awhole crime drama played out at your home.

Unfortunately, it’s happening for real. It’s called "swatting," and it's just as terrifying as it sounds.

❗ Why Should We All Care?

Swatting doesn’t just disrupt lives, it’s dangerous. Law enforcement professionals take every call seriously (as they should), and that puts victims in a high-risk situation, all based on a lie.

Seniors, especially those who live alone or aren’t as tech-savvy, may be more vulnerable to this kind of digital harassment. That’s why awareness is our first line of defense.

So, How Can We Help?

💡 Tech tips for you and your loved ones:

✔️ Stay calm and aware: Swatting can happen even without clicking suspicious links.

✔️ Limit the amount of personal location details shared openly on social media.

✔️ If anything unusual occurs, such as strange messages, spoofed calls, or fake emergency contacts, trust your gut and report it.

The FBI encourages ANY victim of swatting to report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). It’s easy, confidential, and helps build a safer internet for everyone.

Are your family members, especially older adults, prepared for today’s digital threats? Are we doing enough to support them beyond passwords and pop-up blockers?

Let’s not let cybercrime sneak past simply because it’s unfamiliar. Share awareness, speak up, and always check on the ones who taught us how to use a rotary phone. 😉

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