Alert: FBI Warning Of Viral New Scam Trend in Michigan
There's a new trend going on in Michigan, regarding doxing and swatting here in Michigan.
Do you know what they are?
What is Doxing?
Doxing is when someone digs up personal information about another person and makes it public without their permission. This could be things like their full name, address, phone number, workplace, or even private messages. It’s usually done online and can have pretty serious consequences.
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People use doxing to harass, threaten, or embarrass someone, and it can leave the victim feeling vulnerable or scared because their privacy has been violated
What is Swatting?
Swatting is when someone makes a fake emergency call to get the police or a SWAT team sent to someone’s house. It’s a pretty dangerous prank because law enforcement shows up thinking there’s a serious threat, like a hostage situation or something violent, but there’s actually nothing wrong.
The person targeted usually has no idea what’s happening until officers bust down the door. It’s not just a harmless joke—it can lead to people getting hurt, traumatized, or worse. Plus, it wastes a lot of resources that could be going toward real emergencies. Swatting is reckless and illegal, and it's scary to think that someone could weaponize the police like that just to mess with someone.
New On-Going Trend Police Are Warning About
Swatting has been on the rise in America over the past couple of years, and it’s becoming a serious problem for law enforcement. When these fake calls come in, the police are forced to respond as if there’s a real emergency, putting them in dangerous situations for no reason. It’s reckless, wasteful, and puts innocent people at risk.
Watch Out - New Scam Targeting Teens
Meanwhile, Michigan has seen an uptick in doxing scams, especially targeting teens. Scammers ask for explicit pictures and then use those images to blackmail their victims, threatening to release them unless they’re paid off. It’s terrifying for those who get caught up in it, as they’re often scared and unsure where to turn.