Justin Timberlake, Selena Gomez Latest Swatting Victims

The Los Angeles Police Department said it received 911 calls reporting disturbances at the homes of Justin Timberlake and Selena Gomez Friday. The phone calls were just the latest in a dangerous trend known as “swatting.”

Police officers arrived at Timberlake and Gomez’s homes Friday afternoon, but found nothing wrong at either location.

The department decided the calls were hoaxes intended to trigger a large police and emergency response.

Just this week, police officers — followed by two helicopters — were dispatched to the home of Steve Carrell. The exact details of the call that sent the police to the home weren’t immediately released, but in general, a prankster will call 911 and report seeing a gunman inside a home. They may also claim shots were fired in order to get more emergency services involved.

It was later clarified that the police were actually sent to Diddy’s home. It was determined that Carrell’s driveway was used to secure the area, as he is neighbors with the rapper and fashion designer. The police have not named a suspect in this case.

Many other celebrities have fallen victim to the prank, including Ashton Kutcher, Kris and Bruce Jenner, Paris Hilton, and Justin Bieber. The calls have become an increasing nuisance for law enforcement, since false 911 calls have the potential to be dangerous and even fatal. When a hoaxer calls in something like shots being fired, law enforcement and emergency services operate under a higher sense of urgency. In the course of rushing to the scene, the potential for injury to bystanders is increased.

Fake 911 calls also take away from the police and medical resources, which can leave responders unable to respond in the case of a real emergency. The LAPD in particular has warned that it will prosecute swatters to the full extent of the law.

What do you think should be done to curb swatting?

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