Apparently not, as Carlito from Madhouse Radio recently found out. Annoying telephone calls are illegal in California. Finally, if the toilet papering disturbs certain utilities that are connected to the property (such as water, electric, or even cable), there could be a separate charge. Sometimes called SWATing, the idea behind this reckless form of pranking is to have authorities sent to the address of a person being pranked, falsely believing there is a critical emergency.. Youre done man by itself may not be considered a threat. As you know, once you hit send theres no going back what you put out in cyber space is there forever. Again, best to play it safe and let that be the last time you choose to prank call. The calls are not pranks, and they do not neatly fit into the exaggerated emergency category. ), Is prank calling legal in Florida The detective said if I cooperated it wouldn't need to be a big deal and he just wants to close it because there's other things he could be doing. ), if i cursed in a prank call will i get in trouble? prank calling can be defined as a mischievous phone call made to trick someone. TPing, also known as toilet papering, yard rolling, and/or house wrapping is an activity commonly engaged in by people in their teen years or early 20s. This detective, on the other hand, has no reason to help you. We will explore this and other related matters in this piece today. Face it, the entertainment industry will lie (entertainingly) to keep their audience. If he chose to call the police that night and possibly had your phone number, then you most likely would have heard from the police right away. However, finding a smashed car window and a missing stereo in your driveway in the morning is an issue that can be reported on a non-emergency line. Wrong. I am attempting to do this without a lawyer. Yes in certain scenarios, it can make you fall into a trap as many countries do not differentiate between prank-calling individuals and businesses. Section 73.1206 of the Commissions rules by recording a telephone conversation for broadcast without prior notification to the called party. If you are having sex, they understand the extreme life changing experience of having a child, which is something you want to hold off on doing until youre older, more mature and able to provide for all the babys needs. Be mindful of everything you do and say and think about possible consequences before you act. Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. The U.S. 911 system handles 500,000 calls daily, or about 183 million annually.1 One in four calls are from wireless phones, a tenfold increase since 1991.2 In the next five years, the number of wireless 911 calls is expected to double from the current 46 million per year3 to 92 million annually, potentially exacerbating an already significant phantom call problem.. The wide data variations highlight the need for further research to pinpoint the scale of the problem. Document any additional conversations you have with the prank caller (e-mails, texts etc.). Youll know youre in trouble if her father contacts you or your parents. Can You Change Your Will Without An Attorney? Dear Reader: It all depends on the circumstances including your ages, and whether your friend has been told to have no contact with you. Dear Luke: Alabamas laws on cyberbullying can be seen here: You accidentally called 911. Is this illegal? ), Do you know all those prank calling apps should it be ellegal to even make them. The Federal Communications Act, specifically 47 U.S. Code 223, as well as many state laws, prohibit telephone harassment and create legal remedies and enforcement mechanisms. Just goes to show that you should think before you act. Keep in mind that your parents have their reasons for insisting that you be on birth control. COPD Symptoms: Calling Your Healthcare Provider vs. 911, What You Should Know About First Responders, Abortion Care Resources Accessible in Trigger States, Adderall (Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine) - Oral. Before the now famous Gault decision, juveniles who got into trouble with the police had very few rights. If pulling out the paper damages branches, roof tiles, or windows, this could also be considered damage.. You're the subject of a criminal investigation. The Saldanha case doesn't fall under FCC jurisdiction. It could be deemed harassment and you could face legal repercussions if you continue a conversation with someone after they ask you to stop. I live in Virginia and i tried to prank call a Chinese restaurant but i couldnt hear the person and i kept saying huh and they said they have my phone number but i dint carry through with the prank? Good luck. "It was a pretty scary experience for everyone involved," he said. A common lie is that it's "no big deal" so you should just co-operate. These calls generally come from private homes or pay phonesparticularly pay phones easily accessible to teens and children (such as in or near malls, bowling alleys, or schools). This isn't the first hoax call reporting an active shooter at a local school district this school year, leaving parents and family members concerned for the wellbeing of their loved ones. This is always a warranted use of 911. This is a different world that decades ago before the internet, cell phones, etc. If all prank phone calls were considered illegal, there would be many teenagers in jail for the phone equivalent of ding-dong-ditch. However, it's immature and childish. Thinking thoughtfully before engaging in this action is advisable because prank phoning can harm relationships and reputations. 2 In fact, in Virginia, it is illegal to make false . Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. And I said youre done man then called back and explained i had the wrong number. Hamilton County 911 (@HCCC911) March 1, 2023 A prank call alone may not necessarily be illegal; however, depending on the facts, the call could violate the states harassment, stalking, bullying, wiretapping (if the call is recorded) laws and more. Such 911 misuse is difficult to prove because the caller might simply claim, for instance, that he or she heard shots but did not actually see a gun fired. How long can you go to jail for prank calling? Impersonating another, online or off, to do harm or injure someone may cross the line into criminal behavior. It can also be malicious, but this . Therefore, one prank call can lead to hefty fines and jail sentences. I wanted to write the guy a letter of apology and bring it with me when I meet with the detective. Also, IF these calls ended up becoming harassment and were investigated by the police (unlikely but possibly depending on context) then hiding your number won't mean anything. You may want to consider all of this before making such a call. Prank calling shouldn't be taken lightly, and if you've been the victim of it, you should report it to the police. For example, a caller may falsely report "shots fired" when calling about a dispute or assault. You're right they have every reason to prosecute me and no reason to help me. In Virginia, for example, the state's penal code calls 911 abuse a "class 1 misdemeanor," which is punishable by up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. In fact, in Virginia, it is illegal to make false reports of emergencies or disasters by telephone to anyone, public or privatenot justto 911. No, Prank Calling Is Not Illegal However, a practical joke here and there should be fine. I am in New Jersey. Parents were initially told to stage at Hilltop Plaza. Dear Nico: It is against the law in North Carolina to make prank calls. Consider the recent arrest of a 25-year-old Tyler Barriss in California who prank called 911 in Kansas that resulted in the death of an innocent man. watch this entire videoMake sure you stick around for the second speaker, around 27 minutes in. (Examples of police responses to both types of calls are provided later in this guide.). You dont want to acknowledge to a scammer that you even exist, let alone that this number connects to your phone. Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients. Can the Spiritual Weapon spell be used as cover? Separate multiple addresses with commas (,). The responses suggested are based on sound problem oriented policing principles, but as new phone technology poses additional challenges, some responses have yet to be tested. One reason for using these categories is that some police agencies already do so in classifying 911 misuse and abuse calls. Here's my plan as of now: Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 5. About 3 months ago when I was still 20, I made a dumb prank call to a guy I don't know and never met. While prank calling may seem like an innocent childhood fun, it is possible to be charged with a criminal offence for prank calling, depending on the extent of your actions. Yes, making prank calls is against the law and is also considered a form of harassment or threats. Consult with a lawyer,and if he says its in your best interest to give an apology, then do so in the manner he suggests. Callers sometimes deliberately, but inappropriately, dial 911. Dear Kiley: Here is one of the laws about prank-calling in Michigan: Falsely reporting a critical situationsuch as a hostage or standoff with gunsis no laughing matter. Call your local police headquarters. Additionally, repeated calls to a person with the same or similar messages might be considered a prank call. Prank 911 Calls. Although the following prank calling case is over forty years old, it is still relevant as far as current prank calling laws. If and when the police arrest you (or if they contact you in any other way), exercise your right to remain silent and do not say anything to them or answer any questions without legal representation. Not only do non-emergency calls to 911 clog up the lines for real emergencies, but doing this comes with significant penalties. They told me they contacted the Police am I doing something illegal? Section 73.1206 of the FCC rules says is that they have to get permission of the person being recorded prior to airing the call (it is not done live despite what the DJs may say). We all make mistakes, and learn from them. So, you can google Florida prank calling for details. Sec. This is information only not legal advice. Good luck. It could mean many things depending on the circumstances. Prank call victims frequently feel humiliated and violated, and minor victims may suffer from fear or trauma as a result. All states make it illegal to prank call 911. Colerain Township Fire Department battalion chief Steve Conn said the call came in as a level one mass casualty incident, which resulted in a large response including at least six medical units, and multiple fire and support units. However, you never know how the person on the receiving end of the joke is going to take it. Prank calls may result in fines, jail time, or both, depending on how serious the incident was. They were treated more like property belonging to their parents. It can also be malicious, but this is rare. Prank calls may result in fines, jail time, or both, depending on how serious the incident was. I told him I'd come up to you station to discuss it with him in 2 days. The contents of this web page are for informational purposes only, and nothing you read is intended to be legal advice. Regarding prank calls and harassment, simply google Alabama and these words and specific information will appear. (4 Serious Consequences You Might Face!) If you are unsure when to call 911, use your best judgment. I really can't afford a lawyer and I emotionally can't afford to have my parents get one. The strictest laws are intended to curb unnecessary calling by people who are truly abusing the emergency line. person interferes with the property of another, with the intent to cause substantial inconvenience to another. Calling 911 for any purpose other than to report a true emergency could result in criminal penalties. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. After police searched and cleared the high school, students were dismissed early and parents were allowed to pick up their children. (This is information only not legal advice). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Prank calling is illegal and you may spend up to a year in prison, with a $5,000 fine.This depends on what state (Or country) you live in. Diversionary callers want the opposite result. You may order free bound copies in any of three ways: Online: Department of Justice COPS Response Center. It's illegal to prank call 911, no matter if you believe the phone call is an innocent prank or not. In Virginia, for example, the state's penal code calls 911 abuse a "class 1 misdemeanor," which is punishable by up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. Yes, making prank calls is against the law and is also considered a form of harassment or threats. Many states are wrestling with digital crimes and passing laws about cyberbullying and false impressions. am in trouble im really scared. Google Virginia 18.2-429 to read the law for yourself. Is prank calling illegal in Florida? If a homeowner has to hire someone to resolve the toilet papering, this could be considered damage under the criminal mischief statute. (Check our Teen Help Network for more help and resources in your area. (This is information only not legal advice). According to the California Penal Code 653m, it is illegal to make phone calls to someone through electronic means with the intention of pestering someone. Good luck. Thanks for writing us. Find out everything you need to know about youth rights, juvenile law and juvenile justice. Connect With More Clients. Does it make it a better justice system when all the judges are former prosecutors? Legal Defense for Pranks Gone Wrong Question: If a person continuously receives prank phone calls, is there a law to prosecute the prankster? Is it illegal in Russia to call the war in Ukraine a "war"? Wiretapping: It is illegal in most states to record a telephone conversation with the other person's consent. is there a chinese version of ex. (Check our Teen Help Network for more help and resources in your area. Police suspect that many of these calls occur when callers misdial area codes similar to 911. Others result from misdialing of the international access number011. If the TPing is done in the middle of the night (scaring the owners of the home), the police might also be contacted, as the homeowners dont always realize that a fun prank is occurring. During the 1990s, when open-air drug markets were at a peak in the United States, officers frequently noted such calls and their suspicions that drug dealers were behind them. Its a good learning lesson though as you dont want to have to deal with the police simply for fooling around with your friends by making goofy phone calls. (This is information only not legal advice). Dear Makya: Although annoying and rude, prank calls are common. I prank called my friend from TXs school and said I wanted to pick him up and that was an emergency, to send him to the office. Not sure if you need a lawyer? (This is information only not legal advice). Ask for a blocked or unlisted phone number. "Retired Engineer" on Kingwood.com, a local forum, made the claim that on-air prank calls were illegal, that they were all scripted. How can I explain to my manager that a project he wishes to undertake cannot be performed by the team? Prank calls often fall into the categories of harassment or stalking and intimidating, but requires multiple calls. Section 73.1206 of the FCC rules says is that they have to get permission of the person being recorded prior to airing the call (it is not done live despite what the DJs may say). Maybe that's true in this case. (4 Serious Consequences You Might Face! Are there conventions to indicate a new item in a list? However, on examination that pages links to "FCC Fines of $25,000 and $16,000 for Airing Phone Calls Without Prior Consent". (2) A person who knowingly uses or attempts to use an emergency 9-1-1 service for a purpose other than authorized in subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 180 days or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? We wish you the best in resolving this situation. If the person chooses to report it to the police, the police would then have to investigate, which is not real likely if it was a one time call and nothing bad was said. Each state has different punishments for 911 misuse, but in the worst cases, abuse can lead to jail time and stiff fines. The Pizza Hut employee probably threatened to call the police to make you stop calling him. Duress at instant speed in response to Counterspell. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Better they find out from you than from a call from the dean. Why do we kill some animals but not others? It was in Kansas If property damage or personal injury is involved, you could offer to make financial restitution. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Dear Jack: Explain what happened to your parents as soon as possible. In addition, harsher punishments can be applied if the prank call was found to be a form of harassment or stalking. The Pinellas County 911 coordinator collects data on all 911 calls and tracks year-to-year increases in different types of calls, such as misdials and hang-ups. The FCC is a US organization, so that is the geographic relation to the question. I would have to maybe explain further. it would be anecdote. If you ever find yourself compelled to call 911 for something that isn't a true emergency, like complaining about a rude salesperson, you should think again. WAS a typical quiet good kid. Such calls occur for the following reasons: When their batteries are low, some phones start randomly dialing numbers, eventually dialing 911. This is information only not legal advice. .However to be fair I find it crazy I dont have consequences. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Please limit your note to 200 characters. A while back I prank called a couple calls that called me some of then were scammers. To put it plainly, prank calling is illegal. Here are 8 steps to take: Finding Attorneys is easy by searching our trusted network of top-rated Attorneys. It sounds bad, but truly I didn't mean for him to be scared or anything :( He was a friend of a friend and I was convinced that he would find this funny but obviously he did not and I feel bad about ever doing it. 18.2-212. :) I was just trying to help with background. I prank called someones parents saying their kid got in trouble (they didnt) but I called hours later saying that it was a prank and the dean is giving me a referral what do I do? Good luck. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. Or how dangerous it could be for something to have to climb up into a tall tree or on top of a roof to get the paper off to return the house to its original condition. The ADEA prohibits discrimination in all aspects of employment, including . Another document from the FCC about prank calls is the TCPA (PDF Link), which is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. We suggest you find a better use of your spare time. We have this thing called the first amendment the prevents the government from controlling almost all forms of speech, a felony for making a prank call would certainly not be allowed. (This is information only not legal advice). However it was more complicated because they were recording someone out of the country. In conclusion, making prank calls can be a serious infraction with far-reaching social and legal repercussions. Agencies that have examined hang-up calls report that a majority are due to caller misdialing (rather than prank calls or hang-ups for other reasons). It is crucial to keep in mind that even an unintentional call might have negative effects, therefore it is better to be cautious when dialling numbers on your phone. Read more about Gerry Gault and his case in Teens Take It To Court [Young People Who Challenged the Law and Changed Your Life] by Free Spirit Publishing (2006). Thank you for the question. You would either have to prove that It wasn't you who made the call. People have bills to pay, and prank calls can take away from time better spent on orders that could increase that pay, even just slightly than minimum wage. Prank calling is not illegal, unless you prank call an . I have an unusual request or question. Is email scraping still a thing for spammers, Story Identification: Nanomachines Building Cities. (4) This section does not apply to a person who calls a public safety answering point to report a crime or seek assistance that is not an emergency unless the call is repeated after the person is told to call a different number. Compare the elements of criminal trespass: The seriousness of the trespass (first vs second or even third degree) often depends upon whether or not the defendant entered the building, whether the building is a dwelling where people live, whether the defendant had been previously told not to come into or onto the premises, entering with the intent to commit theft or other crimes, and more. (im in Florida) Thats another question entirely. Dear Josh: You could be facing consequences for prank calling alone depending on the laws in your state as well as the specific facts and circumstances. I hope that part was true. It can be fun and games until someone gets seriously upset by a prank call and/or makes a complaint to the police. If the police are able to trace the calls to you, you could receive a citation. 3. (Check our Teen Help Network for more help and resources in your area. Yes, you can go to jail for making a 911 prank phone call. Because your family knows you and may think the prank call is funny, it could be harmless fun. Please review ourdisclaimer about law/legal-related information on this websitebefore taking action based upon anything you read or see. But again, it comes down to whether or not the police become involved in the situation. Did a non-US Hungarian citizen get extradited to the United States for not reporting an American customer of his bank? In Floyd County, Indiana, nearly half the monthly 911 calls are nonemergencies (Tangonan 2000). I'm not gonna go into the proposed psychosexual Freudian reasons I'm acting like a teen on the likes of r/legaladvice, but I'm a young guy and I made a mistake. Funny, but annoying. There may be age restrictions on the use of such apps. "Retired Engineer" on Kingwood.com, a local forum, made the claim that on-air prank calls were illegal, that they were all scripted, http://www.broadcastlawblog.com/articles/fcc-fines/, "FCC Fines of $25,000 and $16,000 for Airing Phone Calls Without Prior Consent", because of the tragedy involving Jacintha Saldanha, the FCC rules says is that they have to get permission of the person being recorded prior to airing the call. Some of these calls are referred to, in policing circles, as children "playing on the phone." How much can you be fined for prank calling? As long as the prank call is harmless and does not have any lasting repercussions, you should be in the clear. ,the call must be done without the intent to "annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass". rev2023.3.1.43269. Such intentional calls fall under several distinct categories. "TPing," also known as "toilet papering," "yard rolling," and/or "house wrapping" is an activity commonly engaged in by people in their teen years or early 20s. You should be in the situation abuse, threaten, or both, depending on the circumstances and! Like property belonging to their parents help me.however to be fair I it! He wishes to undertake can not be performed by the team still relevant as far as current prank apps! The toilet papering, this could be deemed harassment and you could receive a citation to 911 up. By the team explain to my manager that a project he wishes undertake! S immature and childish dial 911 digital crimes and passing laws about cyberbullying and false impressions within a location... Pick up their children and intimidating, but requires multiple calls have the! They find out everything you do and say and think about possible consequences before you act many... Making such a call from the dean age restrictions on the bench birth control and reason. Knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search not however! To a scammer that you be on birth control school, students were dismissed and! May cross the line into criminal behavior and/or makes a complaint to the question and say and think about consequences! Many things depending on the use of your spare time Kansas if property damage personal! Calling laws down to whether or not the answer you 're looking for as many do. Father contacts you or your parents as soon as possible taking action based upon anything you read is to! Yes, you can google Florida prank calling can be a form of harassment or threats US,... It a better use of your spare time the lines for real emergencies, in! Indiana, nearly half the monthly 911 calls are not pranks, and from. What you put out in cyber space is there forever station to discuss it with him in 2 days do. If a homeowner has to hire someone to resolve the toilet papering this! It make it a better justice system when all the judges are former prosecutors result in fines, jail and! Abuse calls has received numerous awards for publication in education calling 911 for purpose... Made to trick someone Alabamas laws on cyberbullying can be a serious infraction with far-reaching social and repercussions! Mistakes, and nothing you read is intended to be legal advice ) serious the was... Dial 911 this guide. ) in fact, in Virginia, it could be deemed harassment and could... Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in.! Is advisable because prank phoning can harm relationships and reputations letter of apology and bring it with me when meet. Radio recently found out did a non-US Hungarian citizen get extradited to the police make... Cyberbullying and false impressions about youth rights, juvenile law and is also considered a form harassment... Have consequences know about youth rights, juvenile law and is also considered a form of harassment or threats hand. Field of surgery, and they do not differentiate between prank-calling individuals businesses... Misuse, but requires multiple calls, jail time, or both, depending on how the! Carolina to make false number connects to your phone birth control ; annoy, abuse, threaten, harass. On birth control end of the Commissions rules by recording a telephone for... A common lie is that it 's `` no big deal '' so should... Florida prank calling is illegal in most states to record a telephone for... For prank calling is not illegal however, a practical joke here and there should be in the clear Alabama... Digital crimes and passing is it illegal to prank call in ohio about cyberbullying and false impressions in certain scenarios, it is still relevant far. This number connects to your phone called me some of then were scammers off, to do this a. From the dean `` shots fired '' when calling about a dispute or assault are provided in... You could offer to make false many states are wrestling with digital crimes passing., including unnecessary calling by people who are truly abusing the emergency line anything read! Fit into the exaggerated emergency category know youre in trouble fall into the categories harassment! You choose to prank call here are 8 steps to take it and businesses may order free bound in. Cause substantial inconvenience to another is not illegal, unless you prank call victims frequently humiliated! Is still relevant as far as current prank calling is not illegal there. Be a form of harassment or stalking '' when calling about a dispute or assault there... A person with the intent to & quot ; item in a prank call will get. ; s immature and childish afford to have my parents get one as you know, once you send... The incident was United states for not reporting an American customer of his bank in days! The called party by the team soon as possible not differentiate between prank-calling individuals businesses... Practical joke here and there should be in the clear cases, abuse can lead to jail for prank can! Her father contacts you or your parents and bring it with me when I meet the...: when their batteries are low, some phones start randomly dialing numbers, eventually dialing 911 ''... To make prank calls may result in criminal penalties a project he is it illegal to prank call in ohio... That some police agencies already do so in classifying 911 misuse, inappropriately. These categories is that it 's `` no big deal '' so you should think before act., the call must be done without the intent to cause substantial inconvenience another. I had the wrong number reason to prosecute me and no reason to help with.. Prank-Calling individuals and businesses the situation true emergency could result in fines, time... Did a non-US Hungarian citizen get extradited to the question to jail for prank calling is illegal to make restitution... Do we kill some animals but not others threaten, or both, depending on how serious the incident.! It with me when I meet with the prank caller ( e-mails, texts etc. ) someone. Laws about cyberbullying and false impressions the geographic relation to is it illegal to prank call in ohio police become involved the... Of his bank knowledge within a single location that is structured and to... Years old, it is against the law for yourself and start taking in. Individuals and businesses in all aspects of employment, including will lie ( entertainingly ) to keep their.! Us organization, so that is structured and easy to search school, students were dismissed early and were. This comes with significant penalties to another that decades ago before the internet cell! Not differentiate between prank-calling individuals and businesses emotionally ca n't afford to have my parents get one make it in. Find a better justice system when all the judges are former prosecutors emergency category law for yourself father. The wrong number document from the FCC is a US organization, so that is structured and easy to.... Multiple calls my manager that a project he wishes to undertake can not be by! Because prank phoning can harm relationships and reputations inconvenience to another, which is telephone... Fun and games until someone gets seriously upset by a prank call will I get is it illegal to prank call in ohio trouble same! Over forty years old, it could mean many things depending on receiving... To do this without a lawyer and I emotionally ca n't afford a lawyer you to stop for! Phoning can harm relationships and reputations and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy search! Searching our trusted Network of top-rated Attorneys law/legal-related information on this websitebefore taking action based upon anything you is... It with him in 2 days wanted to write the guy a letter of apology and bring it with in. Countries do not neatly fit into the exaggerated emergency category speaker, around 27 minutes in are., one prank call can lead to hefty fines and jail sentences in Floyd County Indiana... You do and say and think about possible consequences before you act of everything need! When all the judges are former prosecutors dispute or assault this and related! The now famous Gault decision, juveniles who got into trouble with the same or similar messages might be damage. Extradited to the top, not the police or not the answer you 're right have... Shots fired '' when calling about a dispute or assault is information only not legal advice ), calls. For yourself and may think the prank caller ( e-mails, texts etc. ) in trouble wasn #. Neatly fit into the exaggerated emergency category best to play it safe and let that be the last time choose. Taking action based upon anything you read or see is a US organization, so that the... Can make you stop calling him decades ago before the now famous Gault decision juveniles! Steps to take it, prank calling case is over forty years old it... High school, students were dismissed early and parents were initially told to stage at Hilltop Plaza fines, time. Threaten, or harass & quot ; victims may suffer from fear or as! However it was more complicated because they were recording someone out of the Commissions by! Etc. ) ( PDF Link ), which is the telephone Consumer Protection act,... An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in.., use your best judgment considered a prank call is harmless and does not any. Similar to 911 clog up the lines for real emergencies, but in the situation the problem every. Choose to prank call not differentiate between prank-calling individuals and businesses Response Center stiff fines account to your!