Netflix’s “Don’t Pick Up the Phone” is Disturbing, But “Must Viewing

If you’re looking for a true crime series to watch on Netflix, Don’t Pick Up the Phone is a good choice. This three-part documentary recounts an investigation into a bogus phone caller. The prank led to sexual abuse of multiple women.

It’s not a family-friendly film, so if you’re looking for a series to watch with your kids, this might not be the one for you. Although you would do well to warn your children about the hazards of being a victim of a hoax.  It is a compelling watch.

“Don’t Pick Up the Phone” is based on a series of hoax calls in the United States. The calls began in 1994 and ran until 2004. David Richard Stewart, a correctional officer pretending to be a police officer, called managers of fast food chains and talked them into strip searching employees.

The calls were stopped after the suspect’s arrest, and he was never charged with any other hoax calls. He was also not found guilty on charges of soliciting sodomy or impersonating a police officer. It is no surprise he has tried to keep a low profile ever since.

Since getting on Netflix it is generating strong social media responses.

“Don’t Pick Up the Phone” will make you think twice about trusting people. This movie will show you how easily people can fall for a fake call.  It also shows you how trained as a society people are to defer to authority, with disastrous results.

Although the story is quite disturbing, it’s not as graphic as some movies. Instead, the filmmakers focus on the methods and tactics used to commit the crimes.