Top 10 robocall hot spots in America
Americans are grappling with an ongoing surge in robocalls, a trend that has become increasingly concerning due to the prevalence of scams. According to a recent report by YouMail, a call-blocking service, nearly 4.5 billion robocalls were made in September alone. This marks a slight increase from the previous month and a notable rise of 5% compared to the same time last year. As so many of us continue to receive these unwanted calls, we are left wondering how to protect ourselves from potential scams and what can be done to mitigate this persistent issue.
The latest data from YouMail reveals alarming trends in robocall activity across the U.S. In September, approximately 4.5 billion robocalls were made, equating to an astonishing rate of 1,700 calls per second. On average, each person received about 13.7 calls, with nearly 149.4 million calls being made per day. The types of robocalls that saw the most significant increase were alerts and reminders, which spiked by 31% month-over-month. The most targeted metropolitan areas included Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago, with Atlanta receiving an estimated 157 million calls, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous month.
Data brokers play a significant role in collecting and selling personal information, including phone numbers, to interested parties. They gather data from various sources, such as public records, loyalty card programs, surveys, and social media. Mobile apps and online browsing habits also contribute to the information collected by data brokers. This data can be sold to targeted advertising and marketing companies, as well as government agencies. It is essential to be aware of how your information is being used and take steps to protect your privacy.
Despite efforts to crack down on robocalls, scammers are continually finding new ways to evade detection and continue their operations. With advancements in technology, robocallers can use sophisticated methods like spoofing their phone numbers to deceive recipients. Additionally, spam callers are incorporating conversational speech into their scripts to appear more convincing. While some robocalls may be harmless reminders, most are malicious scams that leave individuals vulnerable to fraud.
To protect yourself from unwanted robocalls, consider adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, a free service that prevents telemarketers from calling you. You can also individually block numbers on your phone and report robocallers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By taking proactive measures and staying informed about the latest trends in robocall activity, you can safeguard against scams and unwanted disturbances. It is crucial to remain vigilant in the face of this persistent issue and take steps to reclaim your phone from unwanted calls.
