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Here’s why police are warning iPhone users to stop saying ‘108’ to Siri

ajc.com

Credit: Oli Scarff

Credit: Oli Scarff

By Fiza Pirani
March 23, 2017

A viral social media prank asking iPhone users to say the number 108 to Siri is causing uproar within police departments across the nation.

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According to BBC News, 108 is India's three-digit code for 911. When users participate in the viral craze, Siri connects them to emergency services in their area within five seconds, ultimately wasting resources and tying up phone lines for other serious emergencies.

The craze began circulating on Twitter over the weekend.

“This prank is problematic because it uses resources that are vital for others trying to receive help in real emergency situations,” officials from the Marshall Police Department in Wisconsin wrote on Facebook.

Not only is it harmful, but placing prank 911 calls can also be considered a crime, they wrote.

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An Arkansas police department also warned users to steer clear of the prank, stating the shortcut is designed specifically as a panic code for those in real emergencies.

About the Author

Fiza Pirani is an Atlanta-based freelance writer and editor.

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