(TNND) — Members of the "Purgatory" swatting group "very likely" made the false emergency reports targeting at least 10 universities across the U.S. in August, according to a report from analysts with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD).

The calls made between Aug. 21 and Aug. 25 resulted in lockdowns, panic, and significant disruptions to campus operations, the report states.

The first universities to be targeted by swatting calls, according to the report, were UTC and Villanova on Aug. 21.

Emergency operators received a call around 12:30 p.m. reporting an active shooter in the UTC library, but around one hour later, the school announced law enforcement "found no evidence of a threat."

At around 4:30 p.m., an active shooter was reported on Villanova's campus. The university president announced an hour later that the reports were a "cruel hoax."

At least eight more colleges were targeted, including:

1. Aug. 24 - University of South Carolina, Thomas Cooper Library
2. Aug. 24 - University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Thomas Cooper Library
3. Aug. 25 - Iowa State University, Firley Hall and Parks Library
4. Aug. 25 - University of Arkansas, Mullins Library
5. Aug. 25 - Kansas State University
6. Aug. 25 - University of Maine
7. Aug. 25 - University of New Hampshire, Dimon Library
8. Aug. 25 - University of Colorado Boulder, Norlin Library

Analysts said the members used Google Voice accounts to place the swatting calls, noting that past research indicates "swatting-for-hire" groups often purchase compromised Google accounts for this purpose."

The reason for the swatting calls was likely not financially motivated, according to the report, but rather "motivated by the desire for notoriety and group acceptance."

Universities, law enforcement and public safety officials were also warned to be prepared to proactively address and respond to further swatting incidents based on the success of Purgatory's recent calls.

The FBI calls swatting "a serious crime that can have deadly consequences due to confusion on the part of victims and responding officials, and that also diverts limited public safety resources from valid emergencies."

Analysts said the group is best known for the arrest of three former members in May 2024, a 26-year-old and two 18-year-olds, who placed swatting calls to various homes, a high school, a casino and Albany International Airport. All three members pleaded guilty.