Attorney General Alan Wilson has stated that a recent swatting incident at the University of South Carolina was carried out by an online group known as “Purgatory.” The group, which seeks violent and graphic content online, has been connected to another teen crime group called “764,” about which Wilson had previously warned parents in March. Both groups target and recruit minors under 18.
The Center for Internet Security and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue have linked Purgatory to the active shooter hoax calls made on August 24th at USC. A self-identified leader of Purgatory told WIRED.com that his group was responsible for the event. The incident led to reports of an active shooter near the campus library, causing a lockdown as students sought safety. Police later determined there was no threat and classified the calls as a hoax.
Wilson emphasized his commitment to student safety, stating, “I’ve spoken to USC President Michael Amiridis, and he has my full support to do what is necessary to protect our students and keep our campuses safe. I will continue to warn young people and parents about the dangers of these online criminal groups.”
According to authorities, these groups direct, produce, and share child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by grooming or coercing minors into creating such content or encouraging them to harm themselves through violent videos or photos. The activities extend beyond swatting incidents; members also encourage sextortion, animal cruelty, suicide documentation, and further victimization through online platforms.
Victims are often manipulated into compliance or threatened if they refuse requests or recruitment efforts. Signs that a child may be involved include secretive behavior around devices or unexplained distress.
Officials urge anyone who suspects their child may be affected by these crimes to contact local law enforcement or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI immediately.
Further information about group 764’s activities can be found at the Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2024/PSA240228
