Hey Siri! Police say you should watch out for this nefarious iPhone prank.

Sacramento police and other authorities are warning of a new prank circulating on social media that tricks people into needlessly calling 911, tying up dispatchers and possibly opening themselves to criminal charges.

The prank encourages iPhone users to say “Hey Siri, 108,” reports KTLA. This starts a five-second countdown, after which the phone dials 911. The number 108 is India’s equivalent to 911 in the U.S., but the iPhone will contact the appropriate local emergency number.

The Sacramento Police Department posted to its Facebook page warning people not to fall for the prank, though it omitted the actual phone number. The department warns that not only can the prank delay responses to genuine emergencies, it can result in charges for abusing the 911 system.

“If you need 911, call us directly,” advises the Facebook post. “Don’t let Siri get you into trouble.”

This story was originally published March 22, 2017 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Hey Siri! Police say you should watch out for this nefarious iPhone prank.."