In Columbia, S.C., officials have revealed that an “online teen crime group” is responsible for a series of fake active shooter calls affecting universities nationwide, including the University of South Carolina.
Attorney General Alan Wilson put the blame for the August 24 swatting incident at USC on an online group called “Purgatory.”
A person claiming to be leader of that group recently spoke with WIRED.com and claimed the group made thousands of dollars from the swatting spree.
“I have discussed the situation with USC President Michael Amiridis, and he has my complete support in taking the necessary measures to safeguard our students and ensure campus safety,” stated the attorney general Wilson. “I’ll keep advising young people and parents about the threats posed by these online criminal organizations.”
Further, Wilson mentioned that the group has connections to others that manipulate minors into self-harm and are involved in creating and distributing child sexual abuse content.
He also warned parents to be on alert for behavior which could indicate that they are participating or are a victim of these online groups.
