Mobile Phone 999

[EDDIE51]

There has just been an item on radio about an urban myth. Apparently there is a myth going round that if you dial 999 on a mobile phone and disconnect immediately it makes the battery last longer.The emergency authorities have been getting 100's of these calls. Can I just say that this is a stupid waste of time and please do not do it.
I know 99% of us on AB are not that stupid but it may stop a few calls.

[pixie373]

Wow. Do these people not consider the effect on the services? Or wonder how it would work?

[Dee Sa]

how can people be that stupid ?

[mikey4444]

Drivel eddie and I can't see anyone being taken in, can you ?

[EDDIE51]

That's what I thought but according to Radio 2 it is becoming a problem.
The idea apparently is that if your battery is nearly dead then dialling 999 gives it an extra boost of power. Probably young kids doing it, even 5 and 6 yearolds seem to have mobile phones now.

[rockyracoon]

"how can people be that stupid ?"

Dee, if you ever have the pleasure of Facebook you'll see that some of the people you've always regarded as being quite smart, are infact very dim.

Miracle fruit cancer cures, reversing your pin number at a cash machine will bring the police, the list goes on and on.....

[ummmm]

lol...I agree with Rocky, people really are that stupid.

[murraymints]

You'll only get a visit from polis for malicious calls

[Eve]

How utterly irresponsible. This kind of thing makes me really angry as there are people stupid enough to actually do it.

[anneasquith]

after dialling and disconnecting immediately, surely the call does not go through ?

[Alex_Higham]

This is what the Police have to say on the matter :-

http://www.mix96.co.uk/news/local/1173379/calling-999-does-not-boost-your-mobiles-battery/

[mushroom25]

// I can't see anyone being taken in//

just google "999 battery myth" and you'll get your answer.

[boxtops]

What an extraordinary thing to be circulating.... no doubt dreamed up by some mischief-maker.

I know dialling 999 in error works to contact the police - some years ago I had my phone in my handbag and something was leaning on the 9 key, my phone rang the police twice then it disconnected, they rang me back to ask if I was OK - it was very embarrassing. They knew my name and exactly where I was. Imagine the effect if they know all these calls they're getting at the moment. What a stupid thing to have started....

[malagabob]

Some people will believe anything. Reminds me of a story about an app that made mobiles waterproof.