How to Execute a Prank Call Without Getting Caught

How to Execute a Prank Call Without Getting Caught

This piece was collaboratively written by wikiHow staff writer Janice Tieperman. Janice is a skilled and imaginative writer who joined wikiHow in 2019. Holding both a B.A. and M.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University, she thrives on crafting diverse content for all audiences. Outside work, she enjoys designing crochet patterns, tuning into true crime podcasts, or diving into fresh creative writing endeavors.

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Pulling off the ideal prank call? Brilliant. Getting caught by law enforcement? Far from ideal. With caller ID and GPS tracking in play, executing the perfect prank call presents some added hurdles—though it’s far from unachievable. Our guide is packed with strategies to keep your identity hidden and land that hilarious punchline. We’ve also thrown in some legal pointers to steer clear of police trouble, ensuring you can prank freely without worry.

Key Information to Keep in Mind

  • Hide your caller ID by dialing *67 before entering the phone number you wish to call.
  • Utilize prank-calling applications, spoofing tools, or temporary phone numbers to conceal your identity.

Concealing Your Traces

  1. Prank Dial and Ownage Pranks offer a selection of pre-recorded prank calls that can be sent to any phone number. Just pick a message, enter the recipient’s number, and initiate the call. Explore more entertaining apps such as:

    • Boomerang
    • JokesPhone
    • Pranky (available exclusively on iOS)
    • Certain apps may request you to input a phone number for initiating the prank call. Choose a number the recipient is probable to pick up—just avoid using your personal one!

  2. before entering the individual’s phone number to maintain your anonymity.This basic code hides your caller ID on the recipient’s device when you place a call—and it’s completely free, compatible with the majority of phone numbers.[1]

    • Example:To dial the person’s phone number, such as 123-555-6789, enter *671235556789 on your phone.
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  3. These apps install straight to your mobile device, allowing you to place calls without revealing your phone number. Certain apps are available at no cost, while others provide a complimentary trial period:[2]

    • Google Voice (no cost)
    • Burner (free trial available)
    • Hushed (trial version)
  4. Spoofing services alter how your caller ID appears on another person’s device, eliminating the need for a physical burner phone. With SpoofCard, you can access easy and cost-free spoofing solutions to maintain anonymity while executing the ideal practical joke.[3]
  5. Give your friend a heads-up about your plans and check if they’re willing to help you out. Remember, using a friend’s phone carries more risk, as they’ll be responsible for any upset prank call recipients.[4]

    • Snatch your friend’s phone when they’re distracted—but be prepared to face the fallout!
  6. Pay phones may not offer complete anonymity, but they do help obscure your identity. Find a payphone in the area and get ready to place your call—while the recipient can track the payphone’s number, they won’t be able to identify the person using it.[5]
  7. Prepaid mobile phones, often called burners, are available at many gas stations—and the best part is, no personal information is required to operate them. These devicesareoutfitted with GPS, however, meaning your location can be tracked if you’re utilizing one at home.[6]

    • Burner phones may not be overly costly, but their expenses can accumulate with prolonged use. For those who regularly engage in pranks, they aren’t the most practical option.

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  • Boomerang
  • JokesPhone
  • Pranky (exclusive to iOS)
  • Certain applications may request a phone number to initiate the prank call. Choose a number the recipient is probable to pick up—just avoid using your personal one!
  • Example:To dial the individual’s phone number, 123-555-6789, enter *671235556789 on your device.
  • Google Voice (no cost)
  • Burner (free trial available)
  • Hushed (trial version)
  • Snatch your friend’s phone when they’re distracted—but be prepared to face the fallout!
  • Burner phones may not be overly costly, but their expenses can accumulate with prolonged use. For those who regularly engage in pranks, they aren’t the most practical option.

Making the Prank Call

  1. Jot down the key points of your message to appear poised and persuasive, as hesitation or stumbling will easily reveal the call as a prank. If you’re lacking creative ideas, consider one of these suggestions:[7]

    • Prank on Craigslist:Post a fake ad as a joke on Craigslist or make a prank call to someone who lists their phone number in an advertisement.
    • 3-Way Conversations:Initiate a three-way call with two random numbers and remain silent on your end. The other participants will be left puzzled about how the call was connected.
    • SFX:Grab a goofy soundboard and trigger humorous sound effects or quirky voice clips through your phone as soon as the call connects.
  2. Keep your joke or prank brief, lasting only a few minutes at most. Short, lighthearted tricks are generally harmless, but lengthy phone calls tend to test people’s patience and waste their time.[8]
  3. Hold back your amusementto enhance the persuasiveness of the call.Absolutely, your prank is wildly funny—but cracking up right from the start ruins your chance of nailing the joke. Whenever you can, hit the mute switch on your phone to stop any accidental laughter from slipping out.[9]

    • Make sure to release all your laughter beforehand so you’re composed when making any phone calls.
  4. You’re phoning someone just to pass the time and share a laugh, so stay relaxed and enjoy the moment! The more uptight you get, the less fun your prank call will turn out.[10]

    • A serious tone can sometimes be mistaken for a threat, even when you’re only joking. Maintaining a playful, cheerful, and humorous voice reduces the chances of misunderstandings.
    5. Advertisement

  • A mischievous stunt pulled on Craigslist.Post a fake ad as a joke on Craigslist or make a prank call to someone who lists their phone number in an advertisement.
  • 3-Way Calling:Initiate a three-way call with two random numbers and remain silent on your end. The other participants will be utterly perplexed about how the call was connected.
  • SFX:Grab a goofy soundboard and trigger amusing sound effects or quirky voice clips through your phone as soon as the call connects.
  • Make sure to laugh all you need before picking up the phone to call anyone.
  • A serious tone can sometimes be perceived as threatening, even when you’re only joking. Maintaining a playful, cheerful, and humorous voice reduces the chances of misunderstandings.

Guidelines for Staying Safe

  1. Making fake calls to 911, emergency responders, or your area’s law enforcement is always a bad decision and may lead to significant legal consequences.[11]
    Direct your pranks toward particular individuals or companies to avoid interfering with genuine emergency situations.

    • Misusing emergency hotlines as a joke is harmful. Faking a crisis call creates unnecessary strain and aggravation for volunteers who are focused on assisting those with genuine emergencies.
  2. Imagine pranking someone several neighborhoods over. The target gets angry and contacts the police, who quickly identify your number in the vicinity and locate you. That’s far from ideal! The greater the distance between you and the person you prank-called, the lower the priority for law enforcement to pursue you.[12]
  3. Your likelihood of being tracked rises significantly.lotImpersonating law enforcement can lead to serious consequences. A single call to the real police station or law enforcement agency is enough to reveal your deception.[13]
  4. Making hoax calls designed to instill panic, including false reports of bombs or active shooters, will be pursued by authorities, and those responsible will face consequences. Even casually mentioning a threat can be dangerous—when individuals perceive danger, emergency responders and law enforcement act without delay.[14]
    Opt for caution by ensuring your pranks remain lighthearted and inoffensive.

    • Filing a false crime or emergency report at another person’s residence is illegal. This act, referred to as “swatting,” may lead to arrest or imprisonment.[15]
    • Avoid requesting anyone’s private details, such as credit card numbers, even in jest. Others may interpret it as an attempt to defraud them and involve law enforcement.
  5. If the individual answers, perfect! If they don’t, proceed to the next number. Persistent calling counts as harassment, potentially leading to issues with law enforcement. That’s the last thing you’d want![16]
  6. In California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington, it is against the law to record a phone conversation without consent from the other party. Residents of these states should ensure all recording equipment is turned off before making a call.[17]

    • Recording a prank call is one thing, but sharing it publicly on social media or distributing it widely is another. Doing so may be considered an “invasion of privacy,” potentially leading to legal action in civil court.[18]
    7. Advertisement

  • Misusing emergency hotlines as a joke is harmful. Fake calls create unnecessary strain and agitation for volunteers who are focused on assisting those in genuine need.
  • Filing a false crime or emergency report at another person’s residence is illegal. This act, referred to as “swatting,” may lead to arrest or imprisonment.[15]
  • Avoid requesting sensitive details from others, such as credit card numbers, even in a lighthearted manner. Others may interpret it as an attempt to defraud them and could involve law enforcement.
  • Recording a prank call is one thing, but sharing it on social media or distributing it widely is another. Doing so may be considered an “invasion of privacy,” potentially leading to legal action in civil court.[18]

Community Questions & Answers

  • Question
    How can I make a prank call to someone who already has my phone number saved in their contacts?
    Janice Tieperman
    Janice Tieperman
    Community Response
    Try a dedicated prank-calling app! These applications can send a pre-recorded joke call to your friend while masking your number on the caller ID. Alternatively, dialing *67 before their number will stop your caller ID from being displayed.

    Appreciate it! We’re happy this was useful.

    We appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.

    If wikiHow has made a difference for you, think about making a modest donation to aid us in assisting more people like yourself. Our goal is to offer free how-to guidance to everyone, and even a contribution as small as $1 supports this purpose.

    Support wikiHow

    Yes
    No
    Unhelpful2
    Helpful 6
  • Question
    If I made a prank call to a restaurant and blasted an air horn into the phone followed by a fart sound, would it be considered harmless?
    Janice Tieperman
    Janice Tieperman
    Community Response
    That’s not the best plan. Although the joke is harmless, making that kind of call is impolite and bothersome for the person who picks up. Depending on how they’re feeling, they could even notify the police about it.

    Thank you! We’re happy this was useful.

    We appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.

    If wikiHow has made a difference for you, think about making a modest donation to assist us in reaching more readers like yourself. Our goal is to offer free, practical guidance to everyone, and even a contribution as small as $1 makes a meaningful impact on our mission.

    Support wikiHow

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    Unhelpful2
    Helpful 3
  • Question
    Is it possible to be detected if I use a fake phone number that appears to belong to another person?
    Janice Tieperman
    Janice Tieperman
    Community Response
    Absolutely, it’s possible. Even with spoofed phone numbers, tracing can still be done, though the process is more time-consuming. Law enforcement may not always prioritize the effort to trace and locate you, depending on the circumstances—but don’t rely on that if you’re thinking of making a prank call!

    Appreciate it! We’re happy this was useful.

    We appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.

    If wikiHow has made a difference for you, think about making a modest donation to assist us in reaching even more readers. Our goal is to offer free, practical guidance to everyone, and every dollar, no matter how small, contributes to this cause.

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Tips

  • Stay cautious by pulling prank calls only on people you know, like friends and family, rather than unfamiliar individuals.

    Thanks

    Helpful
    17The response provided was not useful.14

Reader-Submitted Advice

  • When calling someone familiar, disguise your voice so they can’t recognize you. Keep it believable—if it comes across as overly exaggerated, they might become doubtful.
  • The moment you choose to make a call has an impact. For example, dialing at 2 PM is not the same as calling at 2 AM.
  • Select numbers at random from the phone directory. You might be amazed by the wealth of information available to you within its pages.
  • Attempt a spontaneous voice impression, such as Mickey Mouse or any other unexpected and humorous character.

Warnings

  • Never engage in prank phone calls that could threaten or compromise public safety.

    Thanks

    Helpful
    16The response was unhelpful and did not provide the necessary assistance.3

Engaging in prank calls that include threats or violence, whether fake or genuine, will be treated with utmost severity by law enforcement and may result in imprisonment. Avoid issuing any warnings related to explosives, firearms, weapons, or harming individuals. Such actions will prompt a full investigation and lead to severe legal consequences.

  • Be careful not to let your parents see you reading this article.

    Thanks

    Helpful
    19The response provided was not useful.5

  • Making fake calls to emergency services is never acceptable.Falsely dialing 911 or your regional emergency hotline drains critical resources and may delay assistance for those in genuine need. Prank calls to these services are illegal, and individuals caught doing so may face legal consequences.[19]

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-block-your-number
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  4. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  5. ↑ https://www.techquintal.com/how-to-call-anonymously/
  6. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  7. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  8. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  9. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  1. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  2. ↑ https://kfor.com/news/man-put-behind-bars-after-prank-calling-911/
  3. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  4. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  5. ↑ https://legalbeagle.com/6578555-types-laws-dealing-prank-calling.html
  6. ↑ https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/swatting-the-legal-consequences-48573
  7. ↑ http://www.phonelosers.org/rules/
  8. ↑ https://support.prankdial.com/en/support/solutions/articles/14000053376-why-can-t-i-record-in-all-states-
  9. ↑ https://legalbeagle.com/6578555-types-laws-dealing-prank-calling.html
  10. ↑ https://orangecountyva.gov/591/9-1-1-Basics

This Article’s Overview

To place a prank call without being traced, enter *67 before the number you’re calling. In North America, this will hide your caller ID. Other options include a prepaid phone, an online calling platform, or a burner app that provides a temporary number. Stay out of legal trouble by avoiding illegal actions—never prank emergency services, impersonate officials, or issue threats. Refrain from requesting personal details from the person you call. Keep the conversation playful and harmless to prevent fear or offense. Staying on the line too long increases the risk of detection, so limit calls to under 5 minutes. Prepare your script in advance to keep it brief.Looking for advice on placing prank calls online? Continue reading to find out how!

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  • Pranks (Practical Jokes) are playful tricks or mischievous acts intended to amuse or surprise others, often involving lighthearted deception or humorous setups. These antics typically target friends, family, or colleagues, creating laughter without causing harm. Pranks can range from simple gags to elaborate schemes, but their core purpose remains entertainment and shared enjoyment. While they may occasionally toe the line of acceptability, the best pranks leave everyone laughing—including the target.
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