In an attempt to promote the release of horror movie Saw 5, promoters launched an automated prank call application on the Saw 5 website. The site enabled computer generated prank phone calls to be dialled, leaving a disturbing message in theme to the previous Saw movies voice. Perpetrators were able to type in their name, the victim’s name and any home phone number. Once dialled, the prank call message stated, in Jigsaw’s voice: “Hello (victim’s name). Do you want to play a game? You think it’s over but the games have just begun. I’m here with your friend (perpetrator’s name). My work will continue in a way you never saw coming. You won’t believe how it ends. Let the game begin…..” Although these prank phone call voices were amusing to the perpetrator and followers of the horror movie, many people became terrified upon receiving the message to the point where they called the police. After vast community concern and police warnings being issued, the website disabled the link to the automated Saw V application.

Pick up the Phone!!!

From dial-tone to ringtone. There are many different types of pranks/cranks and practical jokes which contribute to the funny and witty side of this world. With the exponential development and introduction of new technologies, never before have there been so many opportunities to express our humor and ridicule our friends. Practical jokes and crank calls have come a long way since the good old “is your fridge running” joke. Pranking has become a part of everyday life; a way for people of the world to amuse themselves. Even television shows and movies have seized the practical joke and crank call opportunities to charm their viewers. Bart Simpson’s “Amanda Huggenkiss” is just one of the classic examples. Many larrikins record crack calls boasting to their friends and giving them their 15 minutes of fame. These practical jokes aren’t just limited to the ordinary everyday pranksters and their victims. Numerous celebrities and famous people have been caught out by some clever pranks.

Beneath the Voices

Why do people fall so easily for prank calls? Simply, with the technology and software available, it’s easy to trick unsuspecting victims. In the not too distant past, the only way to conceal your voice was to block the nose. Nowadays, an array of gadgets enables anybody to disguise their voice. Pranksters no longer resort to the phone book to locate their prey. Without the ability to recognise or identify the caller’s voice, friends and family can now be easily tricked.

Voice changer technology is available in software or hardware implementations and varies in superiority and cost. The most primitive hardware devices were battery operated gadgets placed over the phone mouthpiece and enabled the caller to change the pitch and tone of their voice. Faders in the more complex and refined devices also enable different distortion effects. The hardware voice changers are available for mobile, cordless and cellular phones. The numerous software programs developed restrict the caller to dialing from the computer.

Friends and Family

It’s overwhelmingly easy and perhaps more satisfying to hoax persons known to you. That’s why friends and family are usually high on the pranksters’ list. They’re vulnerable even in the privacy of their own home, enabling the perpetrator to hear and watch their reactions.

It’s essential that you conceal your identity. This is where blocking caller ID comes especially handy. Your mobile will also have an on/off function to display your number. Make sure it’s off. One of the main tips for targeting your buddies is to keep your distance as soon as your hear the dial tone. This is particularly important if you call from a cell phone due to the electrical noise which can be heard on the home phone if both phones are in close proximity.

Electronically generated

Using an electronic voice distorter creates a robotic computer generated sound when speaking. Helen’s interrogators in True Lies used this distortion technique. The user’s voice is disguised and does not sound human. It’s a daunting experience when answering the phone and being confronted by such an electronically generated voice.

Achieving this creepy mechanical voice is simple. Universal phone accessories are available which combine the microphone and speaker in one easy to use handset. At the flick of a switch, the distorter changes your voice from normal to robotic and back. Depending on your cell phone, some phone accessories will require an adapter.

This type of voice can become difficult to understand whilst using VOIP, as distortion is common.  Ensure your clarity booster function is on to reduce any echoing or background noises. Also, some cordless phones cause interference and static, which will diminish the quality of your prank.

The distorter is also used by the media when undertaking interviews of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Telemarketers

Many websites and tools have been created to stop unwanted phone calls. Even having a private number will not protect you from receiving those pesky telemarketing calls. Making threats to telemarketers will not reduce the frequency of their calls. The best way to avoid them is to sign up with the national Do Not Call Registry. If you collect another such call after 31 days registering, then you may file a complaint.

The Easy Hang Up device made by Phonex is another tool to dispose of annoying calls. By pressing a button during any stage of the call, a voice message will kindly let telemarketers or unwanted callers know “I’m sorry, this number does not accept this type of call. Please regard this message as your notice to remove this number from your list. Thank you”.

Random voices

Short audio clips have been created by pranksters in the form of soundboards for achieving those frustratingly ad hoc crank calls. A range of soundboards are available for download, the most popular containing celebrity quotes. The goal is to confuse and frustrate the receiver. This method works especially well whilst pranking toll free. Stay within the safety range of the law and always steer clear of cranking your local emergency services.

Celebrities

Have a listen to the many celebrity prank recordings. Most involve the use of soundboards with famous quotes. It’s especially amuzing to see the victim not being able to recognize renowned stars’ voices and notorious quotes. With a range of available recorders, you can also record your own pranks. See our phone accessories page for tips if you have any loudness problems with the taping.