Rapper The Game is facing criminal charges after allegedly posting the number of a sheriff's office on his Twitter account and encouraging fans to call in.

The Game (real name Jayceon Terrell Taylor) is said to have tweeted to his 580,000 followers said that if they wanted an internship with him, they should call a phone number, which turned out to be the number for the sheriff's Compton, California police station.

Hundreds of fans reportedly followed his instructions and the department's phone system was overwhelmed with calls causing delays in emergency services.

Sheriff's Captain Mike Parker said the calls lasted for hours and that although they received many hang-ups, several other people inquired about a music internship.

"We don't know how many people needed help but couldn't get through the overwhelmed phone lines," Parker said.

The Game sent a tweet to The LA Times saying: "it wasn't me (shaggy voice)." He suggested that his Twitter account had been hacked by someone else. In another tweet, he said it was an accident: "Yall can track a tweet down but cant solve murders ! Dat was an accident but maybe now yall can actually do yall job !!!! #iSpeak4ThePeople"

Parker said, "This was beyond irresponsible. The deputies' ability to answer the phones and dispatch personnel to help these people in danger was significantly impeded."

Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the matter, which could include charges such as obstructing officers, making harassing phone calls and knowingly and maliciously disrupting communication over a public safety radio frequency.

Parker added, "Each phone call made does open the possibility for an additional charge."

Watch The Game perform 'Red Nation' live on Lopez Tonight: