nuisance call

[Itasan]

Which is most common?
1. crank (telephone) call
2. prank call
3. junk call
4. nuisance call
5. unwanted call
Thank you.

[Lorikeet]

Which is most common?
1. crank (telephone) call
2. prank call
3. junk call
4. nuisance call
5. unwanted call
Thank you.

I never heard of a "junk call" although I've heard of "junk mail."

There are different kinds of "unwanted" calls. Most "unwanted" calls are "nuisance" calls to me. That is, I don't want them and they are a nuisance. That can include advertisements, surveys, nonprofit pleas for donations, etc. To me, a "crank" call or a "prank" call is different. Sometimes kids do that, where they pretend to call the wrong number and say something that isn't true, etc. That's my take on it, anyway.

[Itasan]

Thank you very much, Lorikeet.

[fluffyhamster]

I thought crank calls were the type that could veer towards being threatening and/or obscene ('obscene phone call' is also a phrase). Threats are usually made because the person receiving is prominent in the community e.g. a civil rights activist. Not quite sure why people get obscene phone calls but if you ever do get one, maybe the wierdo/pervert etc is watching you as you answer...