![]() ![]() One of the most common ways that pranks go wrong is when the prank physically or financially harms an individual. It can be complicated to figure out when a prank crosses that line, and talking to a lawyer can help victims understand their rights and options. Victims of pranks that cross the line and lead to financial or physical harm, however, do have legal avenues they can pursue. Pranks can be embarrassing, even rude, but, depending on the circumstances, they may be perfectly legal. Most pranks are harmless and do not merit calling the police or filing a lawsuit. Joking aside, do your best to stay alert and remember those old sayings your parents told you as a kid, especially: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” If you work or live with one or more pranksters, you may want to consider having a conversation with them ahead of April Fools’ Day to let them know you are not up for pranks. ![]() If you win a raffle or a contest and the prize is on April Fools’ Day, don’t get your hopes up. If you have to go outside, try wearing a shirt or hat that says “I’m Not Interested in April Fools’ Day Pranks.” It might help, and it won’t hurt. Even the BBC and NPR have pranked people. Don’t watch TV, listen to the radio, or check social media. Seriously, just don’t get out of bed on April Fools’ Day. How can I avoid being the victim of an April Fools’ Day Prank gone wrong?Įither join in on the fun, or hide. Thousands of other pranks result in burns, fractured bones, concussions, and sprains, while many April Fools’ Day pranks at work result in employees being terminated or disciplined for their antics. There are examples of pranks that caused police, fire, and EMS responses for no reason, cases in which the public was duped into mass hysteria, and even a handful of pranks that caused the deployment of military units. These cases are just the tip of the iceberg of pranks resulting in legal trouble. He filed suit against London City Hall for damages and lost income. During recovery, the victim determined he could not return to work and retired early. The man suffered a heart condition due to the stress and had to be hospitalized. An Ontario, London City Hall employee was called on April Fools’ Day while on vacation and told that a project needed to be completed immediately. Some pranks can result in physical harm to the victim, even when that was not the intention of the prank. The case was settled out of court, with her attorney telling the media that she could now afford any Toyota she wanted. Instead of a new car, truck, or van, the winner was given a small, green action figure from the Star Wars movies. One waitress at the location was told she had won the contest only to find that her prize was a toy “Yoda” doll. A popular Florida restaurant manager told waitresses at the restaurant that they would be entered in a statewide raffle to win a Toyota for selling the most beer in March. The Hummer prank came on the heels of another costly case that involved another vehicle-based prank. One of the victims of the prank sued the radio station for $60,000, the cost of a new Hummer H2 at the time, claiming that the station violated Federal law. On April 1, two winning contestants arrived at the station only to find the prize was a radio-controlled toy Hummer. Free Hummer H2s are too good to be trueĪ radio station in California offered listeners a chance to win a new “Hummer” through a week-long prank involving listeners guessing how many miles two H2 Hummers drove throughout the week. Here are some of the most well-known April Fools’ Day pranks that led to serious legal trouble. Any prank that involves behavior that would be illegal any other day is also illegal on April Fools’ Day.Īpril Fools’ Day pranks that cause actual harm or financial losses to the victim can lead to serious legal consequences. It’s important to remember that just because a person is just joking doesn’t mean they won’t be responsible for any damage they cause. ![]() Others will swap out sugar for salt or cover a computer monitor in sticky notes. Most April Fools’ Day pranksters will find a funny and harmless way to dupe a friend or coworker into thinking that something is true when it is not. What are some April Fools’ Day pranks that led to legal trouble? ![]()
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