A prank call is a telephone call intended by the caller as a practical joke played on the person answering. It is often a type of nuisance call.

Why is it called crank?

Etymology. English crank in its modern sense is first recorded 1833, and cranky in a sense of "irritable" dates from 1821. The term was popularised in 1872 for being applied to Horace Greeley who was ridiculed during his campaign for the U.S. presidency.

Is prank call illegal?

Prank calls may be illegal, especially if they are repetitive. Under NSW law, stalking and intimidation are offences if the person doing it knows that their conduct is likely to cause fear in the other person. This could include prank calls that involve scaring the victim.