(New Castle, DE 19720) The New Castle County Division of Police would like to remind the public about the dangers and consequences of “swatting” — the act of making a false emergency call to prompt a large police response.

Swatting is not a prank. It’s a serious crime that endangers lives, wastes critical public safety resources, and can cause unnecessary fear and disruption in our community.

Our officers respond to every call for help as a potential real emergency. False reports of violent incidents put both citizens and first responders at risk.

Tips to Help Prevent Swatting:

• Limit what you share online. Avoid posting your home address, live location, or identifiable landmarks in photos or videos.

• Protect your personal information. Use strong privacy settings on social media and gaming platforms.

• Be cautious in online communities. Arguments or pranks can escalate—avoid sharing personal info with people you don’t know.

• Secure your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication and keep passwords private to prevent hackers from accessing your profiles.

• Report threats early. If you receive online threats or believe someone intends to make a false report, notify local law enforcement right away.

• Talk to family members. Make sure everyone in your household knows not to share your address or location online.

If you see something suspicious or know someone making false reports, contact police immediately. Working together, we can help prevent these dangerous hoaxes and keep our community safe.

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