It is widely know that prank calling can be fun to do only in some cases and you may be walking a thin line by doing so, but it's important to be aware of the risks that can be involved as well. How can you avoid getting into trouble if you prank call? This could be done by showing that you did not know that the call would cause harm or harass the other person. Finally, you could argue that you were not aware that the call was illegal.Fourth, you could argue that you were only joking with a friend and that the other person was not actually targeted.Third, you could argue that you were just joking around and did not mean any harm.This could be done by showing that the call was made with no intent to harm or harass the other person. Second, you could argue that the call was not actually a prank.

This could be done by showing that you were not near the phone at the time the call was made or that someone else used your phone without your knowledge. First, you may be able to argue that you did not actually make the call.Here are some tips for avoiding trouble when making prank calls: If you are unsure about whether a prank call is considered a criminal offence, it is best to avoid making them altogether. Some prank calls also have a threatening note that is considered illegal. A prank call is illegal if it expresses the intention of annoying or harassing the person on the other end. It gets seen with the concept of hate crime. Similarly, making malicious or harassing calls can also lead to jail time. Similarly, recording a prank call can be termed illegal and booked under wiretapping in many states. The severity of the punishment will depend on the prank call and the context in which it was made.įor example, prank calling the police or emergency services can lead to a criminal charge and a jail sentence. Yes, you can go to jail for prank calling. Some prank callers will keep calling back until they get a reaction, which can be very frightening for the person on the other end of the line. In some jurisdictions, prank calling is considered a form of harassment, and can be punished with a fine or even jail time.įor the person who is prank called, there is the risk of being harassed or even stalked. However, there can be serious consequences for both the prank caller and the person who is prank called.įor the prank caller, there is the risk of being charged with a crime. Most people believe that prank calling is a harmless form of entertainment.

Prank phone calls illegal