Justin Bieber become latest victim of 'swatting'

UNDATED (NBC) -- It can be a terrifying scene. The SWAT team and helicopters rushing to the house of a celebrity, thinking they're in danger.

The latest victim of so-called swatting: Justin Bieber.

Police deputies rushed to the star's California home Wednesday after an emergency message claimed someone inside had a weapon.

The message was delivered via a TTY device.

It's a device typically used by the deaf to type text over the telephone.

The 18-year-old pop star wasn't home at the time and police soon determined the call was a hoax.

Last week, armed police were sent to Ashton Kutcher's home after a woman contacted the emergency services to report she was hiding in a closet because a man with a gun had broken into the property.

Kutcher was not at home at the time and later tweeted that he was safe and sound but the incident reportedly cost taxpayers around $10,000.

Back in August, police were called to Miley Cyrus' home after a caller reported several people were being held hostage after a shooting.

The call was also quickly deemed a hoax but drew a significant police response.

The swatting prank is another incident in a difficult week for Justin Bieber.

On Wednesday the pop star tweeted to his nearly 29-million followers that he and his tour manager were victims of theft after personal footage and a camera were taken during a show in Tacoma, Washington on Tuesday.