After all, 5 mins of reflecting is better than committing a hate crime and having a weak criminal defense. It might seem like unnecessary work, but it doesn't take much. So how could you avoid getting in trouble for this? Besides, the obvious: don't be a bigot? Empathy and awareness! Before you call someone, ask yourself why they are the target.ĭo you think they will enjoy the prank call?ĭo you have the perfect script, one without any slurs?ĭo you have a history of exchanging prank calls? And that goes without saying - no racial slurs. If you don't share the same culture or identity, it is best to steer clear of extremely charged topics. Best believe that BIPOC will take any joke that seems threatening seriously.Įven if you don't intend to harass or harm someone with your prank call, their feelings aren't exactly something you can dictate or control. Considering the diversity in the US and the rising tensions - pranksters have no excuses. Targeting someone for their racial identity, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation counts as a hate crime, especially if you make it the butt of the joke. By doing this, you never call one number excessively. You can work through the contacts you have on hand. After 3-4 prank calls, simply move on to the next victim. The best way you can avoid this is by limiting the number of calls you have to the same number. It is especially risky if you make your prank calls during inconvenient times (late at night, early in the morning, office hours, etc.) While it is unlikely to accidentally reach those numbers, it just goes to show not to take it too far. See, the sheer number of phone calls, not even the content of those calls, sealed the deal. It took a court order to get her to stop. Remember that woman who called her ex-boyfriend 65,000 times? The other person claimed she was harassing him. The obscene amount of calls can be considered abusive and malicious. Harassment and stalking are other easy charges you can have on your record when you make reckless prank calls. If it feels below the belt, you probably should reserve that bit for victims who can take it. Jokes and puns are fine, but you have to see them from the other person's perspective. The best way to prevent this from happening is by checking your script. In prank calls, this means offensive and abusive language. But if we are general, it can be anything that tries to rile anyone up. Before making your prank calls, always review your outline and script for the following issues: Disorderly Conductĭisorderly conduct casts a very wide net, so it is best to see the rules in your state. ![]() Admittedly, it is easy to cross that line. All it takes is one bad joke to push you from a harmless prank to a misdemeanor (or worse - a felony). Since prank calls can be considered a crime, you need to need to know the limits. In these cases, it is best to know what can and cannot get you in trouble and always gauge the person on the other end of the phone. ![]() Even with the general no harm, no foul rule, they might still kick up a fuss. However, be warned that there are people who are very sensitive to prank phone calls. As long as the prank call is harmless and does not have any lasting repercussions, you should be in the clear. If all prank phone calls were considered illegal, there would be many teenagers in jail for the phone equivalent of ding-dong-ditch. ![]() However, a practical joke here and there should be fine. It doesn't matter if the target is your family, friend, or random stranger - they have their rights and can sue when they feel that their rights were compromised. If your call has malicious intent and caused harm to your victim? It may be considered illegal. But how are you supposed to know? It usually boils down to the intent of the prank call and the aftermath. There are times when prank calls are clearly in the wrong. The rules and the consequences may change depending on the state and circumstances of the call. It's difficult to say! Prank calling is in that weird gray area in the legal system. So, let's get to the million-dollar question: is prank calling illegal? Er.Yes & No Insane fines, community service, and jail time are not worth it. Even the best of pranksters know where to draw the line because the worst-case scenario is not pretty. You wouldn't want to be in the middle of a hilarious prank call, only to get the police on the other end of the line ( been there, done that!). Considering how people like to lawyer-up in the US, it's best to find out whether prank calling is illegal or not.
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