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. A skilled and imaginative author, Janice has been contributing to wikiHow since 2019. Holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English from East Stroudsburg University, she enjoys crafting diverse content for all audiences. When not writing, she spends her time 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—but it’s still entirely doable. This 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 trouble with the authorities, ensuring you can prank freely and 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 Footsteps

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

    • Boomerang
    • JokesPhone
    • Pranky (available exclusively on iOS)
    • Certain apps may request a phone number to initiate the prank call. Choose a number the recipient is probable to pick up—just avoid using yours!

  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 individual’s phone number, 123-555-6789, enter *671235556789 on your device.
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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 free 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 phone, eliminating the need for a physical burner phone. With SpoofCard, you can access easy and free spoofing solutions to stay anonymous while executing the ideal prank.[3]
  5. Inform your friend 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 who used it.[5]
  7. Prepaid mobile phones, often referred to as burners, are available at many gas stations—the biggest advantage is that no personal information is required to operate them. Theyareoutfitted 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 the expenses can accumulate with prolonged use. For those who regularly engage in pranks, they aren’t the most practical option.

    8. Advertisement

  • Boomerang
  • JokesPhone
  • Pranky (available exclusively on iOS)
  • Certain apps 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 (free trial)
  • Snatch your friend’s phone when they’re distracted—but be prepared to face the fallout!
  • Burner phones may not be overly costly, but the 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 confident and persuasive, as hesitation or stumbling will clearly reveal the call as a prank. If you’re lacking ideas, consider one of these suggestions:[7]

    • Prank on Craigslist:Post a humorous fake ad 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 phone numbers and remain completely silent on your end. The other participants will be left bewildered 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.
  2. Keep your joke or prank brief, limiting it to just a few minutes. While quick, lighthearted tricks are generally harmless, lengthy phone calls tend to test most people’s patience and availability.[8]
  3. Hold back your amusementto enhance the persuasiveness of the call.Absolutely, your prank is undeniably funny—but cracking up right from the start ruins your chance of delivering the punchline effectively. Whenever you can, switch your phone to mute to prevent any accidental laughter from giving you away.[9]

    • Make sure to release all your laughter before picking up the phone to call anyone.
  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 act, the less fun your prank call will turn out.[10]

    • A serious tone can sometimes be perceived as threatening, even when you’re only joking. To avoid misunderstandings, maintain a playful, cheerful, and lighthearted voice.
    5. Advertisement

  • A mischievous act involving Craigslist:Post a humorous fake ad 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 between two random phone numbers and remain silent on your end. The participants will be completely baffled as to 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.
  • Get all your laughter out before making any phone calls.
  • A serious tone can sometimes be perceived as threatening, even when you’re only joking. Maintaining a playful, cheerful, and humorous voice helps avoid misunderstandings.

Guidelines for Ensuring Safety

  1. Prank calls to 911, the fire department, or local law enforcement are never acceptable 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. Fake calls create unnecessary strain and aggravation for volunteers who are focused on assisting those in genuine need.
  2. Imagine pranking someone several neighborhoods over. If the person becomes angry and contacts the police, your number could quickly be traced to the location, leading them straight to you. That’s not ideal! The greater the distance between you and the prank victim, the lower the priority for law enforcement to pursue the case.[12]
  3. Your likelihood of being tracked rises significantly.lotPretending to be a law enforcement officer can lead to serious consequences. A single phone call to the real police department or law enforcement organization is enough to reveal your deception.[13]
  4. Making hoax calls to instill fear, including false reports of bomb threats or active shooters, will prompt a law enforcement investigation, and those responsible will face consequences. Even casually mentioning a threat can be dangerous—when individuals perceive a potential danger, emergency responders and law enforcement act swiftly.[14]
    Opt for caution by ensuring your pranks remain lighthearted and inoffensive.

    • Falsely reporting a crime or emergency at another person’s residence is illegal. This act, called “swatting,” may lead to arrest or imprisonment.[15]
    • Avoid requesting sensitive details from others, such as credit card numbers, even in a playful manner. They could interpret it as an attempt to defraud them and involve law enforcement.
  5. If the individual answers, perfect! If there’s no response, proceed to the next number. Continuously calling someone counts as harassment, potentially leading to issues with law enforcement. That’s a situation you’ll want to avoid![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 on social media or distributing it widely is another. Doing so may be considered an “invasion of privacy,” potentially leading to legal action against you in civil court.[18]
    7. Advertisement

  • Misusing emergency hotlines as a prank is harmful. Fake calls create unnecessary strain and anger for volunteers who are focused on assisting those in genuine need.
  • Falsely reporting a crime or emergency at another person’s residence is illegal. This act, called “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.
  • 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
    Collective Response
    Try a dedicated prank-calling app! These applications can send a pre-made prank call to your friend while masking your number on the caller ID. Alternatively, dial *67 before their number to stop your caller ID from appearing.

    Appreciate it! We’re happy this was useful.

    We appreciate your input.

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

    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 isn’t a good plan. Although the joke may seem harmless, making that kind of call is impolite and bothersome for the recipient. If they’re in a bad mood, they could even notify the police about it.

    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 more people like you. Our goal is to offer free how-to guidance to everyone, and even a contribution as small as $1 supports this mission.

    Support wikiHow

    Yes
    No
    Unhelpful2
    Helpful 3
  • Question
    Is it possible to be discovered 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 count on that if you’re thinking of making prank calls!

    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 more people like you. Our goal is to offer free, practical guidance to everyone, and even a contribution as small as $1 aids our cause.

    Support wikiHow

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    No
    Unhelpful2
    Helpful 4

Video

Tips

  • Stay on the safe side by making prank calls to people you know, like friends and family, rather than calling unfamiliar individuals.

    Thanks

    Helpful
    17Unhelpful14

Advice Shared by Our Community Members

  • When calling a familiar person, disguise your voice so they can’t recognize you. Ensure it’s 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 random numbers 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 another unexpected and humorous character.

Warnings

  • Making prank calls with the aim of threatening or compromising public safety is never acceptable.

    Thanks

    Helpful
    16The response was unhelpful and failed to address the inquiry effectively.3

Prank calls that include threats or violence, whether fake or genuine, are treated with utmost seriousness by law enforcement and can result in imprisonment. Avoid making any threats related to bombs, firearms, weapons, or harming others. Authorities will conduct a full investigation, and you could face severe legal consequences.

  • Ensure your parents don’t catch you reading this article.

    Thanks

    Helpful
    19Unhelpful5

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

    Thanks

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    0The response provided was not useful or beneficial.0

Also Recommended for You

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. Alternatively, use a prepaid phone, an online calling platform, or a burner app to create a temporary number. Stay out of legal trouble by avoiding illegal actions, such as pranking emergency services, impersonating authorities, or issuing threats. Never request personal details from the person you’re calling. Keep the conversation playful and harmless to prevent anyone from feeling scared or upset. Staying on the call too long increases the risk of detection, so limit it to under 5 minutes. Prepare your script in advance to keep the call brief.Want to learn the best ways to pull off prank calls online? Continue reading for all the details!

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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 acts are typically harmless and designed to elicit laughter rather than cause genuine distress. Pranks can range from simple, spontaneous gags to elaborate, premeditated schemes, and are commonly shared among friends, family, or colleagues for entertainment. While the intent is usually fun, it’s important to consider the feelings and reactions of those involved to ensure the joke remains enjoyable for everyone.
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