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Use unique passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) on important accounts and connected devices, and reduce the personal details and images you expose online. These steps can limit opportunities for attackers, but no security measure can guarantee that swatting will not happen. If it does, stay calm and cooperate with responding officers.
How can online information expose you to swatting?
Swatting is a malicious false report to emergency services, often intended to provoke a forceful response. Information about your identity, location, household, or accounts may help an attacker target you or make a false report more convincing. You are not responsible for someone choosing to attack you; reducing exposure is a precaution, not a guarantee.
Review what others can see
Check public profiles, old posts, photos, videos, livestreams, and shared content for identifying details. Seemingly ordinary images or videos can reveal information or be manipulated. Be cautious about posting an address, phone number, routines, or details that could help someone answer account-recovery or security questions. The FBI’s 2025 swatting alert recommends reviewing exposed information and considering removal resources for sensitive material. Removal options are limited: deleting a post or using a service cannot ensure that copies disappear or prevent targeting.
How do I secure my accounts and devices?
Start with accounts that could unlock others or expose sensitive information: your primary email, financial services, social media, and payment accounts. Then secure gaming accounts, connected devices, and other services. The FBI recommends strong, unique passwords and MFA on devices and accounts, including smart-home devices.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible Model(s): Magicmoon brand filter only for 24 inch -diagonally measured - widescreen monitor - aspect ratio 16:9 - filter size: width: 20 15/16", Height: 11 13/16" (531mm x 298mm)
- Superior Privacy: The computer privacy filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (the angle is about 30 to 60 degree), but bright when looking directly at it. To change the privacy level - simply adjust your monitor’s brightness accordingly
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy Filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 to 495 nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in open work spaces
- Includes Two Options: Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed
- Use a unique password or passphrase for every account. Reusing a password means one compromised service may put other accounts at risk. A reputable password manager can help generate and store distinct credentials.
- Turn on MFA wherever it is available. MFA requires another proof of identity beyond a password. Follow each service’s security settings; available methods differ by account.
- Prefer an authenticator app or security key over SMS codes when supported. Text-message codes can be exposed if someone takes control of your phone number through a SIM swap. If an account only offers SMS or email codes, using that second factor is generally better than using no MFA.
- Keep recovery options current and protected. Check that recovery email addresses and phone numbers are yours, and protect those accounts with unique credentials and MFA too.
- Update devices and apps. Install available updates, and secure your home Wi-Fi and connected devices with strong, unique credentials and MFA where offered. The FBI Phoenix guidance on smart devices specifically highlights account hygiene for devices that could otherwise be overlooked.
Choose an MFA method that fits the account
| Method | Trade-off |
|---|---|
| Authenticator app | More resistant to SIM swapping than SMS codes; requires access to the configured app and a recovery plan if the device is lost. |
| Security key | A physical key can provide strong protection where the service supports it; keep a safe recovery option because losing the key can complicate access. |
| SMS or email code | Can be easier to use and is preferable to no second factor when it is the only available choice. SMS codes are vulnerable to SIM swapping, and email codes depend on the security of the email account. |
The FTC’s MFA guidance recommends starting with sensitive accounts and describes authenticator apps and security keys as safer choices than text-message codes where available. No method prevents someone from making a false emergency call.
Can a SIM swap let someone take over my accounts?
Yes. In a SIM swap, an attacker gets control of your phone number and may receive SMS verification codes or password-reset messages intended for you. That can put accounts relying on text messages at risk.
Rank #2
![[2 Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41SBKw3J4ML._SL160_.jpg)
- 【24 PRIVACY FILTER DIMENSIONS】 Width: 20 15/16" (20.9 inches/532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (11.8 inches/299 mm) - 16:9 Aspect Ratio. Mamol computer privacy filters are designed to be perfectly compatible with HP, Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, LG, ViewSonic and other brands of monitors. Please check the width and height dimensions of your computer screen before ordering. If you have any questions about the dimensions, please contact us.
- 【ENHANCED PRIVACY PROTECTION】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy filter keeps your electronic information confidential, making it excellent for use in high traffic areas. the computer privacy screen 24 inch is designed with advanced microlouver technology to block visibility at around 30 degrees and black out screens completely near 60 degrees.
- 【EYES PROTECTION】 This blackout privacy screen greatly reduces eye strain and minimizes potential hazards to vision. It filters 99.9% of UV rays and suppresses 98% of blue light. As a reversible 24-inch privacy screen filter: The glossy side of the protector provides extra clarity and greater privacy, and the matte side minimizes glare and distracting reflections. Satisfy your different daily uses as needed.
- 【BETTER HD CLARTIY】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy screen Shield adds an extra layer of AR Ultra HD light transmission compared to others. It maintains the high definition of the screen without sacrificing too much screen brightness. It won't reduce the brightness and cause eye fatigue because of the privacy screen installed on the screen.
- 【ANTI SCRATCH & WASHABLE 】Our privacy anti-glare Monitor film has a surface enhancement layer to protect the privacy filter from scratches and fingerprints. It is washable and reusable. Even after prolonged use, you will get a brand new privacy screen for your desktop computer monitor after cleaning. Very Durable!
- Add a PIN or password to your mobile-carrier account, and ask the carrier what protections it offers against unauthorized number transfers.
- Limit public personal information that could help someone impersonate you or answer recovery questions.
- Use an authenticator app or security key instead of SMS for accounts that support those options.
If your phone unexpectedly loses service and you suspect a SIM swap, contact your carrier immediately to regain control of the number. Then change passwords for affected accounts and review financial accounts for unauthorized activity. The FTC’s SIM-swap advice covers carrier-account protection and these recovery steps.
How should my household prepare?
Talk with household members about swatting and agree in advance on what to do if officers arrive. Make sure everyone knows to stay calm, follow instructions, and avoid sudden movements or actions that could be misunderstood. Preparation cannot control how a malicious report is handled, but a shared plan can help household members respond consistently. The FBI’s swatting alert advises discussing the risk with family and planning a response.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- 【Privacy Filter Dimensions】- Width: 20 15/16" (532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (299 mm), Diagonal: 24" (609.6 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Screen Filter is engineered to be compatible with HP, Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Acer, ASUS, ViewSonic, and other monitor brands. Please verify your computer screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your computer screen's diagonal size.
- 【Two Attachment Options】- Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed.
- 【Superior Privacy and Anti Glare】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your computer screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful glare, UV, and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- Our computer screen privacy filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】- Each package includes one privacy screen shield filter, two sets of clear adhesive strips, two sets of slide mount tabs, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
What should I do if police arrive because of a swatting call?
The FBI’s advice is direct: “In the event you are the victim of a swatting attack, stay calm, and listen to and cooperate with responding law enforcement.” Do not argue or make sudden movements; follow officers’ directions.
After the immediate incident
- Preserve relevant evidence, such as usernames, email addresses, websites, platform names, messages, photos, and videos. Keep copies where possible.
- Report the incident to local law enforcement and provide the evidence you have.
- In the United States, if there is an emergency or an immediate threat to life, call 911. The FBI alert also lists tips.fbi.gov, 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), and local FBI field offices for leads, threats, or criminal activity.
Those emergency and reporting channels are US-specific. If you are elsewhere, use your local emergency number and law-enforcement reporting channels.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible Models: Width: 13 9/16" (13.5 inch/344 mm), Height: 7 5/8" (7.6 inch/194 mm), Diagonal: 15.6" (396.24 mm) widescreen laptops which have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Not touchscreen compatible !!! Not fit for 16:10.Do NOT rely solely on your laptop’s diagonal size when ordering. Use a ruler to measure your screen’s visible area (excluding the black bezels). If the width reads 344mm and height reads 194mm, this filter is a perfect match for your device.
- Keep Information Privacy: Effective "black out" privacy from side views outside the 60-degree viewing angle. Designed for optical clarity when viewing from the front, a person not at the front of the screen can only see the dark side of the screen, so it protects buisness secrets and personal privacy
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 - 495nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain. Our laptop privacy screen also helps keep your screen safe from dust and scratches
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in high traffic areas such as open work spaces, airports, airplanes, commuter trains, coffee shops and other public places, etc
- Easy Installation: Choose between 2 simple Options; Slide-On/Off or Mounted. Not touchscreen compatible
Rank #4
![[2-Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41jLN+QeBGL._SL160_.jpg)
- 【Improved Privacy Filter】Protescreen 24 inch privacy screen filter after 200 times updates,Use revolutionary micro-louver technology. The 24 inch computer privacy filter limits viewing angle to +/- 28° and provide clear vision on the front. If see from the sides, the greater the angle the darker the screen.Anyone who tries to peek over the side will only see a dark screen! So with a computer privacy screen protector 24 inch, the privacy of your computer screen will never be leaked.
- 【Package Content】You can get 2pcs 24 inch computer monitor privacy screen filter for a better price! Each package includes 24 inch privacy screen film x2, adhesive strips x2, slide mount tabs x2, alcohol x2, cleaning cloth x2. We are a factory that integrates production, processing and sales, We guarantee that all of our products are premium privacy screen protector. If anything happens, we will send you a new 24 inch monitor privacy screen at absolutely no cost. So you can buy with confidence!
- 【Eyes Protection & Anti scratch】Computer screen privacy shield 24 inch monitor use filtering optical materials imported from Japan can reduce 92% of blue light and 98% of UV light, and filter all harmful light emitted from the screen.The high-transparent and reinforced built-in protective layer not only presents high-definition picture quality, but also protects your screen from scratches.Hurry up and place an order, Own privacy screen for computer monitor 24 inch, Protect your screen and eyes.
- 【Brilliant Anti-glare & Function Options】Our privacy screen protector for computer 24 inch monitor protects your eyes by blocking 95% of reflected light. Create a clear and transparent visual space and reduce eye damage by glare. And It is a reversible privacy screen filter. A matte surface effectively prevents blue light and glare, while a glossy is more privacy-resistant. You can choose flexibly according to your needs. In addition to this it also protects your screen from dust and scratches.
- 【Easy to Install & Reusable】Our 24 inch privacy screen for monitor has 2 uniquely designed installation methods: ① Permanent installation- double sided adhesive tape. Suitable for all computers with a screen aspect ratio of 16:9 and a size of 24 inches. ② Removable installation- slide mount tab. Suitable for computer with raised frame, you can slide the filter in and out of the screen as needed, it provide a quick and easy way to remove your monitor privacy filter when you don't need.
Further official guidance
- FBI: Threat Actors Use Swatting to Target Victims Nationwide
- FBI: Stay Safe Online: Simple Tips for Adults
- FTC: Use Two-Factor Authentication To Protect Your Accounts
- FTC: SIM Swap Scams: How to Protect Yourself
- FTC: Protect Your Personal Information From Hackers and Scammers
- FBI Phoenix: FBI Tech Tuesday: Protecting Your Smart Devices from Swatting
- CISA: Swatting Prevention and Response Guidance
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