| That's the question many pranksters are asking, | | | | - Recording a prank call containing personal |
| especially given the recent rise in celebrities such as | | | | information and making it public without the consent |
| Russell Brand appearing in the media for prank calling | | | | of the person involved as this violates their data |
| offenses. | | | | protection rights |
| Information on the legality of making prank calls is | | | | - Impersonating a person of legal authority, for |
| very confusing, mainly because they are a collection | | | | example a police officer |
| of conflicting views. So let's clear that up... | | | | - Prank calls made to emergency services with false |
| Prank Call Myths: | | | | information |
| - Prank calls are illegal | | | | - Repeat calls to the same person may be grounds |
| - You cannot prank call someone at random | | | | for malicious calling as it may cause distress |
| - Recording a prank call is not allowed | | | | In short, prank calls are legal as long as you stick to |
| Prank calls are perfectly legal as long as you | | | | the basic rules above. Usually the best prank calls |
| understand the specific boundaries in place and why | | | | consist of winding up someone in order to cause |
| they are there. The regulations are very simple, but | | | | humiliation. |
| require you do not act in breach of them as you can | | | | These sort of pranks are a lot more satisfying when |
| be reported for various different violations. | | | | played on someone you know, as you will be able to |
| What's Not Allowed: | | | | hear their reactions and make fun of them for a long |
| - Making threats and saying abusive things | | | | time to come! |