A cybercrime group known as “Purgatory” has been identified as the organization behind a string of AI-enhanced swatting calls that triggered lockdowns at universities across the country in late August.
From August 21 to August 25, at least 10 universities received fake active shooter reports, prompting armed responses from federal and local law enforcement. Purgatory used AI tools to mimic the sounds of screaming and gunfire during the calls, making them appear more credible, according to findings from the Center for Internet Security and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.
Purgatory operates primarily through Telegram and Discord and is connected to a larger cybercriminal network called “The Com,” short for “The Community.” That network is known for swatting, sextortion, and distributing child sexual abuse material. The FBI issued a warning about the group last July, citing a rise in the sophistication of its crimes over the past four years.
