'Siri 108' Call Poses Danger Warn Annapolis Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A potentially life-saving iPhone feature is part of a social media prank that has Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Police cautioning smartphone users not to fall for the message, which dials 911. This week police warned that the iPhone Siri prank has hit the U.S.

Pranksters are telling iPhone users to say "108" to Siri; "108" is the Indian equivalent of 911 and Siri will dial 911. "This prank is already spreading among Annapolis teens and has the potential to dangerously tie up 911 phone systems preventing emergency calls from being answered quickly. DON'T FALL FOR THIS PRANK," Annapolis Police said on Facebook.

Saying "Hey Siri, 108," will prompt iPhones to call 911 based on the iPhone's location. According to WGN, Twitter and Facebook posts have tricked some people into accidentally calling for help:

The "108" command will start a five-second countdown, allowing users to cancel the emergency call, but some social media "pranksters" have attempted to trick people into not looking at their phones until the call has been placed.

While some people think it's a joke, the consequences could tie up emergency lines and delay help in the event of a real emergency, when seconds count.

Annapolis teens have shared the ruse, although Anne Arundel Police say they have not yet seen it.

"The result is a joke, but it's not very fun," a police department in Wisconsin warned residents. "This prank is problematic because it uses resources that are vital for others trying to receive help in real emergency situations. Roughly 240 million calls are made to 911 in the United States each year and placing prank calls can be considered a crime."

— Includes reporting from Patch Editor Shannon Antinori

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