North Texas — The FBI Dallas Field Office is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of school “swatting” incidents as students begin a new school year.
The FBI emphasized that it is not currently aware of any specific threats targeting North Texas schools. However, authorities said numerous hoax threats and swatting incidents targeting schools were investigated nationwide during the 2025-2026 school year.
Swatting involves making a false emergency report — such as claiming a school shooting or other immediate danger is occurring — with the intent of triggering a major law enforcement response.
The FBI said perpetrators may use internet-based calls, spoofed phone numbers, fake social media accounts and publicly available personal information to conceal their identities or make it appear that someone else submitted the threat.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD DO DURING A SCHOOL SWATTING INCIDENT
• Monitor official school district and law enforcement communications.
• Do not spread unverified information or rumors on social media.
• Do not go to the school unless instructed by school officials or law enforcement.
The FBI also encourages parents to talk with children about the seriousness of making hoax threats, immediately reporting threats or suspected swatting plans, and following instructions from teachers and responding officers during an emergency.
Families are also encouraged to review what personal information they make publicly available online, including addresses and phone numbers, and remember that photographs can reveal personal details.
REPORTING INFORMATION
Emergency or immediate threat to life: 911
FBI Tips: tips.fbi.gov
FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
The FBI stressed that hoax threats are not jokes and can carry serious criminal consequences.