Doxxing / Swatting
What it is (1-liner)
Doxxing = publishing private info to intimidate or harm. Swatting = a hoax 911 call that sends police to your location.
Red flags (top 5)
Sudden posts exposing your home, phone, employer, or family details.
Threats that include your address or real-time location.
Coordinated pile-ons sharing doxx files/data-broker links.
Anonymous "tip" threats implying a police response (swatting).
Emails demanding payment to "remove" your data.
Do this now (60-second checklist)
If you're in immediate danger or fear a swatting call is active, call 911. Tell dispatch there may be a swatting risk at your address.
Preserve evidence: screenshots, URLs, timestamps, caller IDs; don't engage.
Lock down accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA/passkeys, review sessions and forwarding rules.
Report: local police (non-emergency line for pre-warning), your platform, and FBI IC3 for online threats.
Report & support
Law enforcement: Report active threats to local police; also file at the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Federal guidance: DHS/CISA doxxing resources + K-12 swatting guidance (also relevant to households).
Learn defenses: EFF's doxxing self-defense and PEN's field manual (data-broker removal).
Mental health & immediate safety
You didn't cause this. If panic or self-harm thoughts hit, Call/Text 988 or start a 988 chat (24/7). Keep a trusted person looped in.
Scripts you can copy
To 911 (pre-warning): "I'm concerned about swatting. If a violent call comes in for my address, please note this may be a hoax. I'll verify by calling back from my stored number."
To the platform: "This is doxxing (PII posted). Here are URLs/screenshots. Please remove per policy and restrict the account."
To your workplace/school: "I'm under a doxxing/swatting threat. Please route unknown calls, and do not share my schedule or location."
Lock down & recover (quick steps)
Data-broker removal: Audit your info, submit opt-outs (people-search sites).
Address safety: Consider your state's Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home) for a substitute mailing address.
Devices & accounts: Rotate passwords; enable passkeys; review app permissions and email forwarding.
If swatted previously: Ask your local PD 911 center about adding a premise note that you're a swatting target.
Platform-specific steps
General: Use in-app harassment/doxxing categories; submit URLs and full screenshots per platform rules.
Home network: Update router firmware; change Wi-Fi SSIDs/passwords to remove identifying info.
Printable Quick Card (1-page content)
If in danger, call 911.
Save evidence → Lock accounts (2FA/passkeys) → Report (platform + IC3) → Consider Address Confidentiality Program → Don't engage.
FAQs
Is doxxing illegal? It can be, depending on what's posted and intent; report threats to police and platforms.
How do I lower my exposure? Remove data-broker profiles, lock social settings, and minimize location breadcrumbs.
What about kids? Follow school guidance and CISA's K-12 threat/swatting resources.
Last updated: Sept 28, 2025 • Reviewed by: ZoraSafe Safety Team