{"id":4424,"date":"2023-12-28T12:13:10","date_gmt":"2023-12-28T12:13:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/?p=4424"},"modified":"2024-02-15T10:08:09","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T10:08:09","slug":"swatting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/swatting\/","title":{"rendered":"Swatting: The Next Generation of Cybercrime?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On Christmas Day 2023, two Republican lawmakers <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/2023\/12\/25\/politics\/marjorie-taylor-greene-swatting\/index.html\">fell victim<\/a> to a rising crime called swatting, a prank that aims to send SWAT units to a person&#8217;s home. Both Congressman Brandon Williams (R-NY) and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) were targeted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it&#8217;s not just politicians who are targeted; ordinary citizens are also victims of this crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Swatting triggers armed police response to fabricated emergencies, risking lives and resources. Learn to recognize and protect against these dangerous pranks in this guide.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Swatting is an increasing trend where false emergency calls are made to send SWAT teams to unsuspecting victims\u2019 homes, endangering lives and wasting resources.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Victims of swatting range from politicians and celebrities to online gamers, and law enforcement faces challenges in distinguishing hoaxes from genuine emergency calls.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Swatting could be considered the next generation of cybercrime as it combines the digital world with real-world consequences, exploiting the emergency services system to cause harm and disruption.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Swatting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/c0be0ac9-a71a-4d0c-b774-a055c6b4aa59-1024x585.png\" alt=\"Law enforcement officers responding to a swatting incident\" class=\"wp-image-4421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/c0be0ac9-a71a-4d0c-b774-a055c6b4aa59-1024x585.png 1024w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/c0be0ac9-a71a-4d0c-b774-a055c6b4aa59-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/c0be0ac9-a71a-4d0c-b774-a055c6b4aa59-768x439.png 768w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/c0be0ac9-a71a-4d0c-b774-a055c6b4aa59-1536x878.png 1536w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/c0be0ac9-a71a-4d0c-b774-a055c6b4aa59-600x343.png 600w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/c0be0ac9-a71a-4d0c-b774-a055c6b4aa59.png 1792w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Swatting is a dangerous prank that involves making false emergency calls to dispatch SWAT teams to a targeted individual\u2019s residence. The goal is to lure the police to a specific location under the false impression of an ongoing serious crime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the past years, this malicious act has trended upwards, with swatting cases rising from about 400 instances in 2011 to more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.economist.com\/united-states\/2019\/01\/12\/swatting-could-become-a-federal-crime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1,000 in 2019<\/a>. However, the actual number of incidents is likely higher due to the FBI not tracking swatting as a unique crime, and many police departments not distinguishing it from other false reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A swatting victim could be in serious danger, with law enforcement being alerted to a threat within their home. Swatting can lead to injury, property damage, loss of life, and squandered resources, while also endangering law enforcement officers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When law enforcement responds to these calls, the forceful nature of their response can increase risks. This is made even more difficult because these swatting incidents are intentionally malicious. These can include false bomb threats, evacuations, and serial attacks aimed at causing maximum disruption for responding officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Mechanics of a Swatting Incident<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The mechanics of a swatting incident are chilling in their deceit and simplicity. Here is how it typically unfolds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><p>The attacker acquires the victim\u2019s home address, frequently through methods like <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/resource-center\/definitions\/what-is-doxing\">doxing<\/a>, which involves tracking down an individual\u2019s personal information online.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>The attacker then makes a false report to the police.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>To ensure they are not easily tracked, they use software to conceal or alter their caller ID.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>When making these hoax calls to emergency services, attackers fabricate serious crimes that necessitate a SWAT team response. They go to great lengths to make the call seem credible, such as using voice-changing software or even playing recorded sounds in the background to create the illusion of a dangerous situation. This way, they manage to turn a simple phone call into a full-blown emergency response, causing massive disruption and potentially endangering lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Targets of Swatting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Swatting is an indiscriminate crime that targets a range of people, from politicians and celebrities to online gamers and livestreamers. Attackers often target public figures and celebrities for their high visibility, knowing that a swatting incident involving these individuals will likely draw significant media attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Congressman Brandon Williams and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene were both victims of swatting attacks on Christmas Day, 2023. Listen to my interview with the Fox News Rundown Podcast, where I explain why finding the people behind swatting is tough and how the police get ready for these situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=FOXM6009166840&#038;light=true\" width=\"100%\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>Online gamers and live-streamers have also been targeted frequently due to their extensive live camera presence, which makes them an accessible and prominent target. Attackers often use doxing to obtain personal information about them, which enables them to make false reports and potentially involve law enforcement agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Realities of Responding to Swatting Calls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Law enforcement faces significant challenges when responding to swatting calls. Attackers often use sophisticated techniques to conceal their identity, and swatting incidents can be part of a larger harassment campaign. This means that even when the police are alerted to a potential swatting attack, identifying the false report amongst genuine emergency calls and tracking down the perpetrators can be daunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Law enforcement agencies use a variety of methods to distinguish between genuine emergency calls and swatting incidents. These include verifying the caller\u2019s identity, cross-referencing information, and assessing the credibility of the reported emergency. However, these measures are not foolproof, and swatting calls can still slip through, leading to unnecessary deployments of SWAT teams and other emergency services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High-Profile Swatting Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5500dcc5-f7c4-47d6-bd75-83402827e20f-1024x585.png\" alt=\"High-profile swatting case involving a politician\" class=\"wp-image-4422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5500dcc5-f7c4-47d6-bd75-83402827e20f-1024x585.png 1024w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5500dcc5-f7c4-47d6-bd75-83402827e20f-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5500dcc5-f7c4-47d6-bd75-83402827e20f-768x439.png 768w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5500dcc5-f7c4-47d6-bd75-83402827e20f-1536x878.png 1536w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5500dcc5-f7c4-47d6-bd75-83402827e20f-600x343.png 600w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5500dcc5-f7c4-47d6-bd75-83402827e20f.png 1792w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>High-profile swatting cases have attracted public attention by making headlines and highlighting the danger of this prank. Some notable victims of high-profile swatting incidents include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/2013\/03\/11\/showbiz\/kutcher-swatting-conviction\/index.html\">Ashton Kutcher<\/a><\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oregonlive.com\/celebrity-news\/2013\/01\/tom_cruise_looks_like_the_late.html\">Tom Cruise<\/a><\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/local\/lanow\/la-xpm-2013-apr-05-la-me-ln-rihanna-swatting-incident-has-police-frustrated-20130405-story.html\">Rihanna<\/a><\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/eu.usatoday.com\/story\/life\/people\/2013\/01\/22\/latest-swatting-prank-victim-chris-brown\/1854561\/\">Chris Brown<\/a><\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/Entertainment\/miley-cyrus-california-home-swarmed-police-hoax\/story?id=16910950\">Miley Cyrus<\/a><\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to politicians and celebrities, many others have also experienced swatting incidents, with attackers hoping to draw media attention to their pranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, swatting is not just a harmless prank. One of the most tragic consequences of swatting is <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2017_Wichita_swatting\">the case of Andrew Finch<\/a>, who was shot by police responding to a false emergency call. This incident underscores the potential life-threatening implications of swatting and the need for preventive measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tragic incident involving Andrew Finch led to the apprehension and conviction of the perpetrator, Tyler Barriss. Barriss, who made the hoax call that resulted in Finch\u2019s death, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategies to Combat Swatting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A multi-pronged approach is needed to counteract the escalating threat of swatting. Public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in this initiative, with elements such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Enhancing technology<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Legislative initiatives<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Establishing clear emergency response protocols<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Educating personnel to identify hoax calls<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are integral components. It\u2019s also vital to promote responsible sharing of personal information online as part of these campaigns, highlighting the risks associated with oversharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Law enforcement agencies are also intensifying their efforts to fight against swatting. Officers undergo training in SWAT tactics, techniques, and how to identify and respond to potential swatting incidents. This helps them to respond effectively to swatting calls, minimizing the risk to innocent individuals and ensuring the best possible outcome in these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Technology plays a significant part in preventing swatting. Tools such as <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/best-business-vpns\/\">VPNs<\/a> and privacy settings can protect personal information and make it more difficult for attackers to obtain a user\u2019s IP address. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are also stepping up their efforts to prevent the misuse of anonymous VoIP caller ID spoofing services, which are commonly used by individuals involved in swatting incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legal Implications of Swatting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Swatting carries severe legal consequences. In the United States, swatting is defined as <em>the intentional act of luring police and other emergency professionals to a location under false pretenses by making a fraudulent emergency call for the purpose of creating a dramatic situation.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is considered a federal (and frequently state) offense, and it may constitute either a felony or misdemeanor, which may result in severe penalties, such as years or even life imprisonment. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/114th-congress\/house-bill\/4057\/actions?s=1&amp;r=93&amp;overview=open\">The Interstate Swatting Hoax Act<\/a> further emphasizes the seriousness of this crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The U.S. government has imposed harsh penalties, including life imprisonment, on individuals caught carrying out swatting attacks. These severe legal consequences serve as a strong deterrent against swatting, underscoring the seriousness of this crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the potential repercussions of making a swatting call go beyond legal penalties. They can have serious and enduring effects on the lives of both the perpetrator and innocent individuals involved in the incident. These consequences include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Emotional trauma for the victims<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Physical harm or injury<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Damage to property<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Disruption of public services<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Wasting law enforcement resources<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technology&#8217;s Role in Preventing Swatting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/977ca580-d934-46f8-834b-56f938d94581-1024x585.png\" alt=\"Technology's role in preventing swatting\" class=\"wp-image-4423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/977ca580-d934-46f8-834b-56f938d94581-1024x585.png 1024w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/977ca580-d934-46f8-834b-56f938d94581-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/977ca580-d934-46f8-834b-56f938d94581-768x439.png 768w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/977ca580-d934-46f8-834b-56f938d94581-1536x878.png 1536w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/977ca580-d934-46f8-834b-56f938d94581-600x343.png 600w, https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/977ca580-d934-46f8-834b-56f938d94581.png 1792w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As we already talked about, technology plays a pivotal role in both facilitating and preventing swatting. Tools such as VPNs and privacy settings can protect personal information and hide IP addresses, making it harder for attackers to locate their victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals can also take proactive steps to protect their personal information and reduce the risk of swatting. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Refraining from oversharing on social media<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Implementing rigorous privacy and security settings on their devices and social media accounts<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Using a VPN to hide their IP address<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>For online gamers, using screen names that don\u2019t reveal their real identity and not disclosing personal information on in-game chats and forums<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are also doing their part to combat swatting, by taking measures to prevent the misuse of anonymous VoIP caller ID spoofing services, which are commonly used in swatting incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Case of a Swatting Attack: What to Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite best efforts, swatting incidents can still take place. If you suspect that you\u2019re a target of a swatting attack, it\u2019s important to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><p>Stay calm<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Quickly inform local law enforcement about the situation<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Give as much information as you can to help clear up any confusion and lessen the harm caused by the incident.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>When a law enforcement agency arrives at the scene, it\u2019s important to communicate with them in a clear, concise, and straightforward manner. Providing accurate information and following their instructions will help resolve the situation and ensure your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Swatting is a dangerous prank that has severe consequences, from unnecessary drain on law enforcement resources to potential loss of life. Understanding the mechanics of swatting, the targets, and the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to swatting calls can help us protect ourselves and our communities from such incidents. Technology plays a crucial role in both perpetrating and preventing swatting, underscoring the need for personal vigilance and responsible online behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While laws and penalties are in place to deter swatting, the responsibility also lies with us to protect our personal information and stay informed about such threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-d4d9e388 wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h3 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Hire John to Speak About Cyber Threats<\/h3><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">&#8220;FBI John&#8221; Iannarelli is a former FBI Special Agent and now a <a href=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/speaking\/cybersecurity\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3443\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">keynote speaker on cybersecurity<\/a>, including cyber terrorism, cyber attacks, and cyber threats such as hacking and phishing.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/contact\/\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Contact John<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M504.3 273.6l-112.1 104c-6.992 6.484-17.18 8.218-25.94 4.406c-8.758-3.812-14.42-12.45-14.42-21.1L351.9 288H32C14.33 288 .0002 273.7 .0002 255.1S14.33 224 32 224h319.9l0-72c0-9.547 5.66-18.19 14.42-22c8.754-3.809 18.95-2.075 25.94 4.41l112.1 104C514.6 247.9 514.6 264.1 504.3 273.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is swatting?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Swatting is a dangerous prank that involves making false emergency calls in order to dispatch SWAT teams to someone&#8217;s residence. This is done to attract law enforcement to a particular location under false pretenses, and it is often facilitated by software to hide the perpetrators&#8217; identities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who are the primary targets of swatting?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary targets of swatting include politicians, celebrities, online gamers, and livestreamers, making it a serious issue that can affect a wide range of individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does law enforcement differentiate between genuine emergency calls and swatting incidents?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Law enforcement differentiates between genuine emergency calls and swatting incidents by verifying the caller&#8217;s identity, cross-referencing information, and assessing the credibility of the reported emergency.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On Christmas Day 2023, two Republican lawmakers fell victim to a rising crime called swatting, a prank that aims to send SWAT units to a person&#8217;s home. Both Congressman Brandon Williams (R-NY) and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) were targeted. However, it&#8217;s not just politicians who are targeted; ordinary citizens are also victims of this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4429,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,124],"tags":[111],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting.jpg",1200,600,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting-300x150.jpg",300,150,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting-768x384.jpg",768,384,true],"large":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting-1024x512.jpg",1024,512,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting.jpg",1200,600,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting.jpg",1200,600,false],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting-600x300.jpg",600,300,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Swatting-100x100.jpg",100,100,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"John Iannarelli","author_link":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/author\/john-i\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"On Christmas Day 2023, two Republican lawmakers fell victim to a rising crime called swatting, a prank that aims to send SWAT units to a person&#8217;s home. Both Congressman Brandon Williams (R-NY) and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) were targeted. However, it&#8217;s not just politicians who are targeted; ordinary citizens are also victims of this&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4424"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4424"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4449,"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4424\/revisions\/4449"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4429"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fbijohn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}