If it feels like scam calls are becoming unavoidable, the data backs it up. Robocalls have increased 17% nationwide since 2020, according to a new report from WhistleOut.
The report, which analyzed national robocall data and surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults, points to what researchers describe as a growing “robocall epidemic” in 2026. In South Carolina alone, residents receive an estimated 1.45 billion robocalls annually—about 258 calls per person.
“Robocalls have reached a point where many Americans feel like they’re impossible to avoid,” WhistleOut spokesperson Ammy Archer said. “Unfortunately, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, especially with the use of AI-generated voices that can sound increasingly convincing.”
Southern states are among the hardest hit, topping the list for robocalls per capita. Leading the nation is Louisiana with 350 calls per person each year, followed by Mississippi (314), Georgia (293), Alabama (286), and Tennessee (274). Louisiana’s numbers represent a 792% increase from 2020 to 2026.
The report also highlights the rise of “vishing” scams—fraudulent phone calls designed to trick victims into sharing sensitive information. Researchers found that most Americans have been targeted by such schemes, while about half lack confidence in their ability to identify AI-generated robocalls.
“Many people don’t realize that even a simple response—like saying ‘yes’—can be used by scammers to their advantage,” Archer added. “If something feels off, the safest move is to hang up and call the company directly using a trusted number.”
Despite the scale of the problem, reporting remains low. In 2025, there was just one complaint filed for every 32,571 robocalls. Data from the Federal Trade Commission shows 1.59 million complaints were submitted to the national Do Not Call Registry that year.
“Reporting these calls is one of the most effective ways consumers can help authorities track and shut down scam operations,” Archer said. “The more data regulators have, the better equipped they are to take action.”
How to Protect Yourself
Experts recommend several steps to reduce risk:
- Ignore or block unknown callers: Answering spam calls can signal that your number is active, increasing future calls.
- Avoid sharing personal information: Even simple confirmations can be used by scammers. Hang up and contact businesses directly using verified numbers.
- Register with the Do Not Call Registry: The free service helps limit legitimate telemarketing calls.
- Report suspicious calls: Complaints filed with the FTC help law enforcement track and combat scams.
The report also found that millennials are particularly vulnerable, with an 80% likelihood of sharing personal information with unknown callers, and that the average American receives 138 robocalls per year.
“With scam calls and texts continuing to evolve, awareness is critical,” Archer said. “Knowing how to recognize and respond to these threats can make all the difference.”
More information, including state-by-state rankings, is available through WhistleOut’s full report.
