Robocalls remain a growing issue in 2025, with 40.8 billion calls reported in just the first nine months – a 5% increase from last year. These calls disrupt daily life, lead to financial losses, and often ignore the National Do Not Call Registry. Five states stand out for having the highest complaint rates per capita:
- Delaware: 960 complaints per 100,000 residents, with scams focusing on medical services and government impersonation.
- Ohio: 849 complaints per 100,000, driven by urban centers like Columbus and Cleveland.
- Arizona: 813–865 complaints per 100,000, with Tucson leading in per-capita reports.
- Illinois: 858 complaints per 100,000, heavily impacted by financial scams.
- North Carolina: 826 complaints per 100,000, particularly in Raleigh.
Efforts to combat robocalls include federal initiatives like the FTC’s "Operation Stop Scam Calls" and state-led lawsuits against companies enabling these calls. Reporting platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com empower residents to file complaints and support enforcement actions. Despite progress, the issue persists, with scammers using advanced technology to evade detection.
Robocall Top Scams by State: October 2025 | TNS Robocall Protection
1. Delaware
Delaware holds the top spot in the nation for robocall complaints per capita, with a staggering 960 complaints per 100,000 residents reported in 2025. With its smaller population, even a relatively moderate number of incidents can significantly impact the state’s complaint rate.
The most common robocall schemes in Delaware revolve around medical and prescription scams. Residents frequently receive calls offering discounted medications, questionable insurance plans, or other suspicious medical services. Right behind these are government imposter scams, where fraudsters claim to represent agencies like the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare, aiming to extract personal information or money.
Debt reduction robocalls are another growing concern. Complaints about these scams have surged by 85% compared to the previous year. These calls often lure people in with promises to erase credit card debt or negotiate with creditors, but they usually demand upfront fees that victims never see again. The rise of these tactics has prompted tougher regulatory responses.
State officials in Delaware are stepping up. The Attorney General has joined multi-state efforts to crack down on large-scale robocall operations, including pursuing legal action against companies that enable illegal robocall traffic.
On a broader scale, the FTC’s 2023 initiative, Operation Stop Scam Calls, has been a game-changer for Delaware residents. By targeting the companies and services that facilitate these scams, the operation focuses on cutting off the problem at its roots rather than just going after individual perpetrators.
For those affected, Delaware residents can report unwanted calls through ReportTelemarketer.com, a consumer protection platform that investigates and takes action against telemarketers. This service provides a direct way to fight back against the robocall epidemic.
2. Ohio
Ohio holds the second spot nationwide for robocall complaints, with 849 complaints per 100,000 residents and a staggering 108,394 total reports in 2025. A significant portion of these complaints comes from the state’s bustling metropolitan areas, where cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati heavily contribute to the overall numbers.
In fact, Columbus ranks sixth in the nation with 8,179 total complaints and 623 complaints per 100,000 residents. Close behind is Cleveland, ranking seventh, with 7,802 complaints and 617 per 100,000 residents. These figures highlight the concentrated impact of robocalls in Ohio’s urban hubs.
The most common robocall scams in Ohio mirror national patterns, with medical and prescription scams taking the lead. Government impersonation scams and schemes promising debt relief also play a significant role, as fraudsters exploit these tactics to gather personal information under false pretenses.
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action in Ohio, implementing enforcement measures such as cease-and-desist orders and fines to combat the issue.
Ohio residents looking to reduce unwanted calls can register their numbers at donotcall.gov or by calling 888-382-1222. For those seeking further support, platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com provide free resources to investigate and address telemarketing violations.
3. Arizona
Arizona ranks third in the nation for robocall complaints, with a total of 61,270 reports filed in 2025 and a complaint rate ranging from 813 to 865 per 100,000 residents. This places Arizona just behind Delaware and Ohio in per capita complaints, making it one of the most targeted states for unwanted calls. The issue is even more pronounced in the state’s metropolitan areas, as shown below.
Urban centers in Arizona report alarmingly high numbers of complaints. Tucson leads the nation in robocall complaints per capita, with 7,769 reports and a rate of 751 per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, Phoenix contributes a significant share, logging 24,718 complaints with a rate of 566 per 100,000 residents.
Scammers in Arizona frequently exploit medical and prescription-related schemes, with residents filing over 170,000 reports tied to these scams. Debt reduction scams have also seen a sharp increase compared to the previous year. Adding to the problem, imposter scams – where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information – remain a persistent threat.
Arizona has taken bold steps to combat robocalls. The state joined a multi-state lawsuit against Avid Telecom, a company accused of facilitating billions of illegal robocalls. Additionally, the Arizona Attorney General has issued warnings, cease-and-desist orders, and lawsuits to address the issue. These efforts complement federal actions like the FTC’s Operation Stop Scam Calls in 2024, the agency’s largest crackdown on robocallers to date, which targeted those impacting Arizona consumers. Together, these measures highlight Arizona’s dedication to safeguarding its residents and providing avenues for relief.
For those seeking help with telemarketing violations, ReportTelemarketer.com offers free tools to investigate unwanted calls and take action against violators.
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4. Illinois
Illinois holds the fourth spot in the nation for robocall complaints, with residents submitting 85,604 reports in 2025. With a complaint rate of 858 per 100,000 residents, the state is among the hardest hit by these intrusive calls. This high rate underscores just how widespread and disruptive robocalls are for people living in Illinois.
The state also grapples with a variety of financial scams, including payday loan fraud, charity scams, and direct financial schemes. These scams result in considerable financial losses for many consumers.
While the Telephone Consumer Protection Act offers federal safeguards by banning unsolicited, automated calls that seek money, enforcing these protections remains a tough battle. Scammers often use advanced technology to evade detection, making it difficult to track and prosecute them effectively. This ongoing challenge highlights the importance of strong reporting systems.
Illinois residents are encouraged to use ReportTelemarketer.com to file complaints about unwanted calls. These reports can lead to investigations and enforcement actions aimed at curbing the issue.
5. North Carolina
North Carolina rounds out the top five states for robocall complaints, with residents filing a total of 88,247 reports in 2025. The state’s complaint rate of 826 per 100,000 residents places it just below Illinois, significantly surpassing the national average of 700–750 complaints per 100,000 people.
The problem isn’t limited to state-level figures – it’s especially pronounced in urban areas. Raleigh, the state capital, stands out as a major hotspot, logging 6,628 complaints in 2025. This translates to a rate of 596 complaints per 100,000 residents. These numbers highlight how densely populated regions often bear the brunt of robocall activity.
While specific data on the types of scams targeting North Carolina residents isn’t available, national trends provide some insight. Common scams in high-complaint states include payday loan fraud, fake charity solicitations, and direct money requests via robocalls. These schemes not only cost victims financially but also waste their time and erode trust. This pattern underscores the urgency for robust measures to counteract these calls.
North Carolina’s high ranking aligns with a larger national trend. Across the United States, 40.8 billion robocalls were reported in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growing volume of unwanted calls is reflected in the state’s elevated complaint rate.
For those in North Carolina looking to combat robocalls, platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com offer practical solutions. The site investigates reported telemarketers for free, identifies potential violations of consumer protection laws, and takes enforcement actions such as issuing cease-and-desist letters or filing formal complaints. If legal violations are confirmed, attorney fees are claimed from the telemarketers, providing an additional layer of accountability. North Carolina’s experience serves as a critical piece in the broader fight against robocalls nationwide.
State-by-State Data Comparison
The robocall problem hits the top five states differently, with unique trends emerging when comparing overall complaints to per-capita rates. Factors like population size, urban density, and enforcement efforts all play a role in shaping the robocall situation across these regions.
| State | Complaints per 100,000 Residents | Total Complaints | Notable Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 885–960 | 9,428 | Statewide impact |
| Ohio | 849–921 | 108,394 | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati |
| Arizona | 813–865 | 61,270 | Tucson, Phoenix |
| Illinois | 801–858 | 85,604 | Chicago metro area |
| North Carolina | 788–826 | Data not specified | Raleigh |
These numbers highlight how differences in population size and urban concentration influence complaint rates.
Delaware stands out with the highest per-capita complaint rate, despite having the smallest total number of reports. Residents here face nearly four times more robocall complaints per capita than in many other states.
Ohio’s situation is more complex. It ranks second in per-capita complaints but leads the nation in total reports, with 108,394 complaints. Urban centers like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are major hotspots. Columbus ranks 6th nationally with 623 complaints per 100,000 residents, Cleveland follows at 7th with 617, and Cincinnati comes in 11th.
Arizona’s numbers reflect the impact of concentrated urban areas. Tucson leads all U.S. cities with 751 complaints per 100,000 residents and 7,769 total complaints. Phoenix isn’t far behind, ranking 10th nationally with 566 complaints per 100,000 residents and 24,718 total reports. This urban clustering explains Arizona’s third-place ranking, even with fewer total complaints than Ohio.
Illinois and North Carolina also report per-capita rates above the national average of 700–750 complaints per 100,000 residents. Illinois recorded 85,604 total complaints, while North Carolina’s overall numbers aren’t specified, but its per-capita rate secures its spot in the top five.
State enforcement efforts vary. Attorneys general in these states often issue warnings or threaten legal action against violators to curb robocalls.
For residents in these high-impact areas, services like ReportTelemarketer.com offer a way to fight back. They investigate reported telemarketers, identify violations of consumer protection laws, and take action through cease-and-desist letters or formal complaints – all at no cost to consumers. This approach helps hold robocallers accountable and provides relief for those affected.
Conclusion
The robocall problem continues to grow across the United States, with states like Delaware, Ohio, Arizona, Illinois, and North Carolina shouldering the greatest impact in 2025. These states experience not just higher call volumes but also alarmingly high complaint rates – far exceeding the national average of 700–750 complaints per 100,000 residents. Delaware, for instance, reports nearly 960 complaints per 100,000 people, highlighting the urgent need for action. Despite stricter enforcement measures, robocallers still manage to outpace regulations. Alarmingly, over half of U.S. phone companies remain out of compliance with federal robocall prevention laws.
There are, however, signs of progress. Multi-state legal actions, like the coordinated lawsuit against Avid Telecom, show that collaborative efforts can have a meaningful impact. These cases demonstrate that legal pressure can disrupt illegal operations and hold violators accountable.
Given the scale of the issue, consumer awareness and participation are more important than ever. High complaint rates in these states not only reflect the severity of the crisis but also the proactive steps residents are taking to report violations. Each report helps authorities track emerging scams, identify patterns, and allocate resources more effectively.
For individuals in affected areas, platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com provide an easy and free way to report robocall violations. By filing complaints, residents contribute directly to the fight against illegal robocalls, complementing larger enforcement efforts.
Addressing the robocall epidemic requires a long-term, united approach. While enforcement agencies continue to ramp up their efforts, the role of individual reporting and heightened awareness remains critical in shielding communities from the financial and emotional harm caused by these invasive calls. Together, these combined efforts offer the best chance to curb the robocall crisis.
FAQs
What types of robocall scams are most common in the top states for complaints?
The states with the highest complaint rates often deal with robocall scams like fake debt collection, phony IRS or government agency calls, and bogus warranty offers. These scammers use urgent and alarming messages to pressure people into giving up personal information or making quick payments.
These tactics thrive on fear and confusion, making it crucial to stay alert. If you get an unwanted robocall, report it to a reliable consumer protection service. Taking action can help combat these illegal schemes.
Are federal and state efforts helping to reduce robocalls?
Unwanted robocalls continue to frustrate many Americans, despite federal and state efforts to tackle the issue. Agencies like the FCC and FTC have introduced measures like call authentication technologies and imposed penalties on violators. However, robocallers often manage to sidestep these defenses, keeping the problem alive.
If you’re receiving unwanted telemarketing calls or texts, you can take steps to address the issue. Reporting them to platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com can make a difference. These reports help identify violations and bolster enforcement efforts aimed at curbing robocalls across the country.
How can I protect myself from robocall scams?
To protect yourself from robocall scams, make sure to report any unwanted telemarketing calls or texts to reliable consumer protection agencies. This not only aids in investigating potential violations but also helps reduce future unwanted calls. Be cautious about sharing personal information over the phone, especially with unfamiliar callers. Using call-blocking tools can also be a great way to screen and block suspicious numbers. Stay alert and proactive to keep your information safe.
