Watch CBS News

Simon Cowell's Beverly Hills Home Becomes Latest Target Of 'Swatting'

BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Simon Cowell has become the latest victim of what officials call "swatting" after a prankster reported a false crime at his home over the weekend.

A 911 caller contacted police around 1 p.m. Sunday, saying a person was tied up in Cowell's Beverly Hills home, authorities said.

Cowell was home when police responded, and officers found no sign of trouble.

The "X Factor" judge appears to be the most recent victim of swatting – when pranksters call in false reports about a crime at a celebrity's house.

In October, a 911 caller said a person was waving a gun next to a home, which led police to Justin Bieber's Calabasas house.

Earlier that month, police received a call reporting a home-invasion and shots fired at Ashton Kutcher's Hollywood residence.

Officials responded to a reported kidnapping and shooting at Miley Cyrus' Studio City home in August.

RELATED STORIES:

Justin Bieber's Calabasas Home Becomes Latest Target Of Swatting Prank

LA Police Chief Vows To Find 'Swatting' Pranksters Targeting Celebrities

Police: Reported Home Invasion At Kutcher House A Hoax

Reported Kidnapping, Shooting At Miley Cyrus Home Turns Out To Be Hoax

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.