Pranksters are always looking for the next challenge. They want to test their abilities and see how far they can go. When you are done with ding-dong ditches and silly prank puns, make the ultimate anonymous call with caller ID spoofing.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) keeps a close eye on spoof calls given its history with scammers and spammers. Caller ID spoofing is kept on a tight leash in the United States, and it can change at any moment. To learn more about its legality you can check out our blog post: Is Spoofing a Phone Number Illegal?
(TLDR: It’s legal under certain conditions.)
Why Is It A Big Deal?
For one thing, spoof calls and prank calls occupy a gray area. One wrong move can easily get you into trouble. Now imagine what would happen if you tried to do both? A spoofed prank call is a 2-in-1 deal.
The best-case scenario is that you make a hilarious prank call. When your target tries to look you up and give you a taste of your own medicine - they come up cold. The fake phone number guarantees your privacy.
The worst-case scenario, on the other hand, paints a very different picture. If you go too far - it stops being a prank and becomes a harassment call. If you get the wrong person involved, you can face hefty fines and maybe even jail time! Dun dun dun.
If you want to pull off a prank with spoof calls - you have to be strategic about it!
How To Make A Spoof Call Prank
If you are planning a series of prank calls, it's time you learn to protect your personal information with a spoofed caller ID. There are several ways you can make your spoofed calls. You can pick the best method that suits your skill level. You can go with the most convenient one with mobile apps or the more technical route like building a caller ID spoofer from scratch.
Here are the steps you can take to make the perfect spoof prank call:
Download Spoof Calling App
The first thing you need to do is download a spoof calling app. When you are selecting the right app, make sure to pay attention to these key things:
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Spoof Calling Services -Does the app properly hide your caller ID information? Does it replace your existing phone number with a number you want? These are the basic services you need to change your identity on display.
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Affordable/ Reasonably Priced - Most spoofing apps come with a fee. Even if it’s free on the app store - there may be paid features. Compare the prices of the spoofing apps available and settle on the best one.
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Additional Services - As mentioned earlier, spoofing apps come with additional features that essentially make the fake phone number function like a regular one. Look for apps that allow you to change to the number you want and receive text and voice messages. A voice changer is another bonus.
There are several spoofing companies that tick off all 3 items. Spoofcard and Spooftel are some of the more well-known services. But if you want something new, Ownage Pranks is partnering up with a different, better spoof call app, very soon.
Prank Call Idea
Figure out what kind of prank call you want to pull. You could pose as a telemarketer, a delivery man, or a mobster on the run. There are so many prank call ideas out there. Find one you are comfortable with and run with it.
Remember to avoid making a harassment call. While pranks are jokes, not everyone might see it that way. "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend," will not hold up in court.
Steer clear of multiple calls - if you have to do it for the bit, keep it at the bare minimum. Avoid making threatening statements, indecent comments, and biased opinions. There are plenty of pranks you can make without crossing the line.
Read More: 13 Ideas To Make The Best Phone Prank Call.
Character
The next thing you need to work on is creating the perfect character for the bit. What's the point of a fake number if your friends and family know it's you? Why waste the anonymous call? Develop a persona and pick and choose the right characteristics that will help sell the joke. Change your name, occupation, and voice - become the character.
Some prank calls require more work than others. If you can't change your voice every well, you can look for a voice changer. It will manipulate the pitch and timber and allow you to create a convincing character.
Ownage Pranks also has a free character soundboard you can use. Insert their voices here and there to add texture and realism to your phone call.
Read More: The Art of Pranking: Voice Acting Tips!
Prank Script
Once you have the prank idea and character, start working on the prank script. Don't hem and haw during the phone call. Get rid of the kinks in the script during your drafting process so you can have the perfect prank call.
You can try some of our prank scripts. We have prank call ideas for all kinds of events from birthdays and anniversaries to dull weekends and long summers. You can also use our free voice changer to add a bit of spice to your prank calls.
Besides using our pre-made scripts, you can try your hand at creating your own prank calls. Collect phone numbers you want to call - we advise trying out our Indian tech support scammer numbers or the IRS scammer numbers before calling anyone else.
Read More: Ownage Pranks Presents the Best Prank Call Scripts of The Century!
With the prank section out of the way, let's move on to the spoof call section.
Dial Your Target's Phone Number
Once you’ve mastered everything the service has to cover - it's go time! List down the people you want to prank and go through them one by one! Enter their phone number using the app, and you are good to go. While you can see their number on display, they'll receive your placeholder.
Have Fun Prank Calling!
Now that you have effectively hidden your number, you can make all the prank calls you want! From prank calls to prank text messages, you have every opportunity to make a truly memorable prank call. Add fake background sounds and create a compelling setting. You can even change your voice and sound like a man or woman. Use everything in your arsenal!
So How Do You Get Away With It?
Stay on the right side of the law to avoid complications. Prank calling is illegal when you use it to harass someone else. Solution? Keep it clean or clean-ish. Give them no reason to criticize your bit. If you live in a one-party state, you can record the prank call for contingencies.
Read More: Is Prank Calling Illegal?
Spoof calling is illegal too, but only when you use it to defraud or wrongfully obtain something of value. Remember, the busy catching actual scammers at work. As long as you use the app for fun, there should be no reason why you can't use them.
Read More: Is Spoofing a Phone Number Illegal?
Reminders
While pranksters aren’t the type to sweat over the small stuff, caller ID spoofing is a Big Deal (TM). The FCC takes caller ID information very seriously - from your name to your phone number. The Truth in Caller ID Act makes sure of that.
However, its legal uses are too valuable to discount spoofing outright. You need to be very careful with how you navigate the legal and illegal use of spoofed calls. When you cross the line, you can find yourself in a very different place. If you need to make a regular phone call, this setup is probably not the way to go. Reserve your fake caller app for prank calls.
If you don’t want to make the prank call yourself. You can turn to your go-to prank calling company - Ownage Pranks! We have experienced pranksters who know how to make the perfect prank phone call. Whether it be over the telephone or cellphone, we can call on your behalf. Request a prank call today!
Have fun pranking!
Read Next: Top Features of the Best Spoof Call App
