Can Prank Phone Calls Lead To Serious Criminally Liable?

Performing a prank call or waging a practical joke war is common among youngsters. Before a decade or two, these prank calls were just a game. But nowadays, they have become threatening, abusive, and hurtful. 

As these prank calls’ seriousness increases, so do the legal punishments and laws prohibiting them. Some of you might not even know these legal proceedings and sentences available. This article aims to improve your knowledge of the matter with governing laws you should know. 

Prank phone calls may seem harmless or amusing at first glance, but they can have serious consequences that can lead to criminal liability. Engaging in prank calls, especially when they involve harassment, threats, or other illegal activities, can result in legal repercussions. While prank calls might be a source of entertainment for some, it’s crucial to recognize the potential harm they can cause. Similarly, the world of gambling has its own rich history and cultural significance. In Australia, for example, gambling has played a significant role, with popular slot machines affectionately known as “pokies.” Delving into the origins of this term and the deep-rooted history of gambling can be an enlightening experience. Websites like cardplayerlifestyle.com/why-are-pokies-called-pokies-deep-dive-into-australian-history-of-gambling/ provide valuable insights into the unique Australian gambling culture and shed light on the evolution of the popular “pokies.” While exploring the fascinating aspects of gambling history can be enjoyable, it’s important to remember that engaging in responsible gambling practices and respecting the boundaries of others should always be a priority, both in the virtual world and in our daily interactions.

The Causality of Placing a Prank Call

Nowadays, everyone considers placing prank calls a simple game. Every youngster or child might have made a prank call at least once in their lifetime. But if you are unaware, the law permits the victims to take legal action on a prank call with proper recording. Similarly, some people feel excited about the prank calls they record and upload on the internet. This recording is illegal since it involves recording without obtaining permission from the other party. 

Nowadays, from school children to Tik-Tok experts, everyone considers this prank call as a form of fun-filled entertainment. But are they disturbing more than fun? Let’s find out more.

Things That Make a Prank Call Illegal

Even though the legal norms for prank calling are different in each state, most of them are accepted as an illegal activity if it focuses on harassing someone. 

Similarly, recording a prank call can be termed illegal and booked under wiretapping in many states. It gets seen with the concept of hate crime. 

A prank call is illegal if it expresses the intention of annoying or harassing the person on the other end. Some prank calls also have a threatening note that is considered illegal. 

They can also be illegal: 

• If the caller records the entire content without getting permission from the other party. 
• If the prank call is to any emergency number like an ambulance, fire service, or police station. 
• If the prank call is to provide misinterpreted threats like a bomb or terrorist activity. 
• If the prank call is obscene with poor conduct. 
• Similarly, calls with the purpose of stalking are also considered illegal. 
• The prank call is unlawful if it focuses on a particular business or person. 

4 Laws Governing Prank Calls

Is prank calls illegal? As a matter of fact, yes, they are. 

So before you try to make a prank call, read below to understand the major laws in some states against the category of each prank call.

1. Harassment

Harassment includes body shaming, speaking bad words, and other things that might affect the victims’ mental state. Even though verbal harassment is not similar to physical harassment, it is still considered illegal in multiple states and cities. 

Based on the privacy rights in certain States, a harassing phone call is supposed as an act of intimidation or direct threat. Based on Oregon State Law, the victim has the perfect right to file a complaint against harassment of phone calls through proper recording and proof. 

2. Obscene Calls

An obscene phone call is a condition where one person uses foul language and intimidating threats to make the victim feel useless. Sometimes, these calls make the victim commit suicide or feel mentally disturbed. 

Under such circumstances, the best option is to file a legal complaint of misconduct against the person. The accused will be punished with a fine and up to a one-year jail sentence. 

3. Disorderly Conduct

If the prank call made by a person creates destruction in the legal formalities of the state, there can be charges under the law of disorderly conduct. In a state like Minnesota, it is considered legally offensive. 

It can create an act of alarm, anger, and resentment within the mindset of others. So a prank call with disorderly conduct can be filed as a legal complaint, and the judgment depends upon the polis and court. But the accused person must pay a fine and serve jail for up to a year. 

4. Invasion of Privacy

The next Issue caused by a prank call is the invasion of privacy. Along with making a prank call, some tend to record it. Recording a call without consent from both parties is considered an invasion of privacy. 

So these calls are punishable by law in most states with a fine and imprisonment based upon the severity of the content.

Call Recording and Legal Options

As mentioned above, recording a prank call is legally offensive. So when the abuser tries to record a prank call, they can be charged with illegal recording, right to privacy, and other statements based upon the severity of the conversation. 

But for a victim, it is necessary to record the calls. It can be done by using a call recorder softwear to make a valid complaint against the abuser. You can find a good call recorder for iPhone or Android with a simple search on the official app stores.

Conclusion

Prank calls are fun when performed by friends and family. But if these calls enter the next stage in the form of abusive messages and threatening calls, you should take legal help. 

Furthermore, to protect yourself from the issues, you can install a call recorder for iPhone and Android phones. 

Prank calls can be offensive in certain situations, and protecting yourself from such problems is essential. Don’t fear, you’re a human and you’ve equal rights!