Avoid Accidentally Calling 9-1-1 through Siri

A not so humorous prank has been making its way around the internet involving Siri, the iPhone virtual assistant, and calling 9-1-1. As many iPhone users are well aware, Siri can help assist phone users look up restaurants and stores, call phone numbers and more.

This can be a great tool but if you ask Siri about the number 1-0-8, after a few moments, you will be connected to 9-1-1, because it will believe you are in an emergency situation and need help. The number 1-0-8 is actually an emergency number for India and Siri is programmed to recognize emergency numbers from all over the world which is why it connects you to 9-1-1. Pranks like these tie up emergency phone lines. At times, these unnecessary calls can costs the lives of those who really need help.

Cell Phone Sally and other 9-1-1 entities are discouraging iPhone users from testing this feature out. This prank has become very popular on social media and what might have started off as a simple joke, is now turning into a serious crime that can jeopardize lives. It is illegal to call 9-1-1 as a joke or if you are attempting to “prank” 9-1-1 so please refrain from testing out Siri to dial any of the emergency numbers for any countries.

This is not the first time this type of prank has occurred. Back in 2015, iPhone users were told to ask Siri to call a different three digit number which happened to correspond with another foreign country. As a result of this prank, Wisconsin emergency services department received over 200 fake calls in one week which tied up emergency lines. Let’s stop this from happening again and save 9-1-1 for those who need it the most when in an emergency situation.

Please share this information with everyone you know so that they do not make this dangerous mistake. Remember 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.