US lawmakers have introduced new legislation designed to levy severe penalties of up to life in prison for so-called “swatting” offenses.
The Interstate Swatting Hoax Act of 2015 aims to deal with the growing problem of mischief-makers phoning the police and pretending a serious crime is occurring at the house of the victim. The idea is to trick the police into sending an armed SWAT team to raid the property, causing maximum distress to the victim.
Although federal law currently prohibits people phoning in false bomb threats or terror alerts, it does not as yet forbid lying about other emergency situations, according to a note on the web site of congresswoman Katherine Clark, one of the act’s authors.
“In recent years, swatting has become a widely used tool for online harassers to attack journalists, academics, domestic violence survivors, and celebrities. Perpetrators locate victims’ private information online and use technology to conceal their identity as they contact emergency responders,” it added.
The FBI estimates around 400 swatting attacks occur every year, costing law enforcement agencies as much as $100,000 each time. According to Clark, some attacks have led to heart attacks and serious injuries, both of law enforcers and the victims.
One frequent recipient of swatting is security journalist Brian Krebs, who has been targeted several times in retribution for his investigative work.
“Our law enforcement personnel are already struggling to protect our communities with limited resources,” said co-author, congressman Patrick Meehan.
“The wave of ‘swatting’ incidents are costing our police departments time and tax dollars. ‘Swatting’ cases divert attention from serious situations that require the attention of highly trained personnel and put innocent civilians at risk. This legislation updates federal statute and makes it clear that ‘swatting’ is no joke.”
Swatting is not just a US problem. Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts and her family were woken in the middle of the night earlier this year after an internet troll appeared to phone in a hoax security alert to the police.
The practice is thought to be favored by hackers, gamers and the like.
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