![]() ![]() Number of calls – Repeated unwanted calls to the same individual, can show intent to harass.What constitutes harassment? Here are some factors prosecutors consider: In many state laws, if you repeatedly call someone in a harassing manner – then it’s a misdemeanor or felony crime. But if you act maliciously, threaten someone, or make dangerous calls – then it can result in felony charges. There’s a big difference between harmless and illegal conduct. The key to figuring out whether the prank call is illegal, is whether the call resulted in someone being in fear, in panic, incited violence, caused actual damages, or was made for fraudulent purposes. Privacy violations – Each state is different when it comes to recording calls, you have to make sure you’re not illegally recording a call. ![]() Disrupting phone service – Blocking lines or making repeated calls in order to disrupt someones phone service – this is illegal.Threats – If you intimidate, or threaten injury, during the call – then the prank call is illegal.Impersonation – If you do this to get money, or information, fraudulently, then this is a crime.Obscenity – If you make lewd, or vulgar calls, without consent, this is illegal – and no longer.Swatting pranks – Falsely reporting crimes which result in the FBI/Police raiding someone’s house is a form of swatting.Trespassing – Prank delivering food/services to someone else’s house without consent is a form of tresspassing.Harassment – Repeatedly engaging in unwanted calls to annoy, abuse, or threaten someone can be perceived as harassment.Most calls that are jokes, to friends, or businesses are legal, but slightly immature to say the least! But, prank calls can break laws depending on the situation at hand: ![]() Here’s an overview of laws and examples of potentially criminal prank calls: When Does a Prank Call Become Illegal? When does a prank call become illegal? As a criminal defense attorney, I’m often asked to examine the legality of prank calls. Sometimes though, prank calls can cross ethical and legal lines – resulting in criminal offenses such as harassment, threats, or fraud. Since the dawn of the telephone, callers have been entertaining themselves by disguising their voices and engaging in jokes with whoever picks up the phone. Prank calling has been around for years and years. Is Prank Calling Illegal? Our Criminal Attorneys Discuss
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