Siri Prank: Police Departments Discourage iPhone Users From Trying the 'Siri 108' Trick
Several police departments are warning people to avoid trying out a new prank that is going viral on social media where iPhone users are tricked into telling Siri the numbers "108."
Looks like some tech-savvy individuals thought it would be funny to fool unsuspecting people by tricking them into telling Siri the "108" command - something that is recognized by the voice-activated smart assistant as an order to dial and link to all emergency numbers of a particular country or city.
As reported by CBS, Apple wanted to equip Siri with the ability to quickly call and link to emergency numbers in the time of need. For example, when in the United States, telling Siri "108" will command it to dial 911. It would contact 999 in the United Kingdom's case.
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Sergeant Adrian Page of the Lonoke Police Department in Arkansas posted a Facebook update recently that attempts to discourage people from trying out the prank, saying: "I'm seeing a lot of post from people telling iPhone users to tell Siri '108.' What that will do is in 5 seconds, call 911. Don't fall for it as it ties up emergency lines ... it is designed specifically as a panic code."
The Sheriff's Office at Harris County in Texas echoes the same warning (through their official Facebook page as well), telling its constituents that they - along with the Texas National Emergency Number Association - "are encouraging iPhone users NOT to test the '108' command. ... The command, in fact, will instruct Siri to call emergency services, which could potentially tie up emergency lines."
In Wisconsin, the Marshall Police Department have also warned iPhone users not to get on the bandwagon, explaining, "This prank is problematic because it uses resources that are vital for others trying to receive help in real emergency situations."
If these warnings from the authorities of various states and cities are not enough, iPhone users can also take note that prank calling 911 is against the law. Penalties and jail time imposed on caught perpetrators of the discouraged activity have become more stringent over the years and across several states in the U.S.
