Unwanted telemarketing calls are a nationwide issue, but some states are hit harder than others. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Delaware leads with the highest complaint rate (885 per 100,000 residents), despite a decline in overall complaints compared to previous years.
- Ohio follows closely with 850 complaints per 100,000 residents, showing a slight improvement due to stronger regulations.
- Arizona ranks third, with robocall complaints surging by 10.1% year-over-year.
- Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, and New York round out the top 10, each facing unique challenges such as targeting of vulnerable populations, demographic factors, and varying state laws.
Key Insights:
- Demographics Matter: States with older populations, like Arizona and Florida, report higher scam activity.
- Population Density: Urban centers like New York and Texas are prime targets due to their large populations.
- State Laws Impact Complaints: States with stricter regulations, like Illinois and New York, often see fewer complaints.
Quick Tip: Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry (DoNotCall.gov) and report unwanted calls to help crack down on illegal telemarketing.
Are There State-level Do Not Call Lists In Addition To The National Registry?
1. Delaware
Delaware ranks first in telemarketing complaints for 2024, earning the distinction of having the highest complaint rate in the country. Residents filed complaints at a rate of 885 per 100,000 people, making it the leader among U.S. states in this category. Interestingly, the drop in complaint numbers compared to previous years highlights changing trends in telemarketing activity.
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
Even though Delaware tops the list for complaint rates, it has seen a noticeable decline in total complaints. The number of complaints dropped significantly, from over 19,000 in 2021 to 8,685 in 2024. The complaint rate also fell from 1,024 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 885 in 2024, marking a 13.6% decrease. This reduction aligns with a broader national trend of declining telemarketing complaints.
Total Estimated Telemarketing Call Volume
Delaware’s high complaint rate is particularly striking given its smaller population, with more than 802,000 residents registered on the National Do Not Call Registry. Sussex County leads the state in the number of complaints, with debt reduction calls being the most reported issue. These are followed by complaints about medical or prescription-related calls and imposter scams. Interestingly, live telemarketing calls generated about 1,000 more complaints than robocalls, showing that human telemarketers remain a significant concern for residents.
Delaware’s position as a telemarketing complaint hotspot demonstrates that even states with smaller populations can face substantial challenges with unwanted calls.
2. Ohio
In 2024, Ohio ranked second in the nation for telemarketing complaints, reflecting a significant volume of unwanted calls and texts targeting its residents.
Complaints per 100,000 Residents
Ohio reported approximately 850 complaints per 100,000 residents, according to data from the National Do Not Call Registry and additional analysis by Textla. In total, 102,114 complaints about spam calls and texts were filed in 2024. A spokesperson from Textla summed up the situation with a touch of humor:
"If there were an award for suffering through spam, Ohio would take home the gold."
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
In 2023, Ohio’s complaint rate stood at 949 per 100,000 residents. By 2024, it had dropped to 849 per 100,000 residents – a 10.5% decrease. This decline suggests that stronger regulations and changing scam tactics may be influencing the numbers.
Total Estimated Telemarketing Call Volume
While the complaint rate is telling, the sheer volume of unwanted calls paints an even clearer picture of Ohio’s ongoing battle with spam. Several factors contribute to the state’s high complaint count, including its large urban population, lenient state regulations, and scammers increasingly targeting specific groups. The rise of AI-driven scams has also played a role. According to Textla’s findings, the types of spam Ohio residents face are varied:
"Whether it’s fraudulent health insurance offers, fake IRS threats, or spam texts promising too-good-to-be-true deals, Ohioans continue to face relentless spam."
The combination of aggressive spam targeting and active reporting by residents keeps Ohio consistently near the top of the telemarketing complaint rankings.
3. Arizona
Arizona claimed the third spot nationwide in 2024, with an alarming 865 robocall complaints per 100,000 residents.
Complaints per 100,000 Residents
According to NumberBarn, Arizona saw 865 complaints per 100,000 residents in 2024. Tucson earned the dubious distinction of being the top U.S. city for robocall complaints, while Phoenix ranked 10th among the most impacted cities nationwide.
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
Robocall complaints in Arizona surged by 10.1% between 2023 and 2024. The number of filings jumped from approximately 55,000 in 2023 to 61,270 in 2024. Collin Czarnecki, a data analyst at NumberBarn, highlighted this growth:
"Robocall complaints rose 10.1%, from 55,000 in 2023 to 61,270 in 2024."
Targeting Vulnerable Populations
The rise in complaints may be linked to scammers preying on vulnerable groups, particularly older adults. In Arizona, about one in four residents is aged 60 or older, and in Tucson, over 20% of the population falls into this age group. Collin Czarnecki explained:
"Seniors are especially vulnerable to falling victim to phone scams… In Arizona, about one in four residents are 60 and over. Even in Tucson, which ranked No. 1 for cities with the most robocall complaints, more than one in five residents in Tucson are 60 and over… So these scammers definitely know who they’re targeting in terms of age demographics."
4. Illinois
Illinois holds the fourth spot for telemarketing complaints in 2024, a ranking influenced by strong consumer reporting practices and some of the toughest call regulations in the country.
Complaints per 100,000 Residents
In 2024, the Illinois Attorney General’s office received 18,901 written complaints about telemarketing calls. While this number is significant, it likely represents just a fraction of the unwanted calls residents actually experience. These figures provide a snapshot of the broader issue and serve as a foundation for analyzing recent changes in complaint trends.
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
Regulatory adjustments in Illinois have played a key role in shaping complaint patterns. For instance, complaints about debt-reduction calls skyrocketed by over 85% compared to the previous year. This increase reflects a combination of aggressive telemarketing tactics and Illinois’ robust regulatory environment, which encourages residents to report violations.
Illinois stands out for its firm consent requirements when it comes to telemarketing. The state mandates that telemarketers obtain explicit consent before using automatic dialing systems or prerecorded messages. Additionally, telemarketing calls are restricted to the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and violators face fines of up to $1,000 per infraction. These rules not only protect consumers but also empower them to take action against unwanted calls.
5. North Carolina
North Carolina ranks fifth among states for telemarketing complaints in 2024, reflecting the widespread impact of unwanted calls on residents throughout the Tar Heel State.
Complaints per 100,000 Residents and Total Volume
In 2024, North Carolina recorded 826 complaints per 100,000 residents, highlighting ongoing issues with robocalls and telemarketing. The state logged a total of 85,604 telemarketing complaints, placing it among the highest in the country. Telemarketing and robocalls topped the list of consumer grievances, with the N.C. Justice Department receiving 2,965 complaints in this category out of more than 19,000 overall consumer complaints. These statistics reveal the significant burden telemarketing activities continue to place on North Carolinians.
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
The state saw a 9% increase in robocall complaints compared to the previous year. While Gov. Josh Stein acknowledged some progress in reducing complaints in other areas, the consistently high number of telemarketing-related issues underscores the need for stronger consumer protections. This ongoing rise in complaints highlights the challenge of tackling unwanted calls effectively.
6. Texas
Texas holds the sixth spot for telemarketing complaints and continues to face a heavy influx of robocalls. Here’s a closer look at complaint rates, call volumes, and recent trends across the state.
Complaints per 100,000 Residents
In 2024, Texas reported 170,483 telemarketing complaints, translating to approximately 545 complaints per 100,000 residents. This places the state at #23 in the nation on a per-capita basis. Notably, this is a sharp decline from the 436,602 complaints filed in 2021, signaling a significant drop in formal reporting.
Total Estimated Telemarketing Call Volume
While complaint rates have dipped, the sheer volume of robocalls continues to paint a challenging picture. In November 2024 alone, Texans received an estimated 607.6 million robocalls – a slight uptick even as national numbers trended downward. On average, each Texas resident endured 19.1 robocalls during that month, far exceeding the national average of 14.4. Major metropolitan areas like Dallas saw a staggering 162 million calls, while Houston experienced a 1% increase in call volume.
The overall trend in Texas shows steady growth in robocall activity throughout 2024, climbing from 480 million calls in June to 607.6 million by November.
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
Although the number of official complaints dropped significantly between 2021 and 2024, certain areas, like Longview, saw a surge in activity, with robocalls increasing by 49% during the same period. This highlights a complex situation – while fewer formal complaints are being filed, the persistent and rising volume of unwanted calls continues to be a major issue for Texans.
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7. Florida
Florida takes the seventh spot among states with the highest number of telemarketing complaints. The combination of a large senior population, bustling urban areas, and a thriving tourism industry makes the Sunshine State a prime target for telemarketing activity. These factors contribute to noticeable differences in complaint rates across the state.
Complaints per 100,000 Residents
Complaint rates vary significantly between Florida’s cities. In 2024, St. Petersburg reported 6,708 robocall complaints, translating to 700 complaints per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, Jacksonville saw slightly lower rates, with 641 complaints per 100,000 residents.
Total Estimated Telemarketing Call Volume
When it comes to the sheer number of calls, Florida’s major cities paint a troubling picture. Tampa residents endure an average of 17 unwanted calls per week per person, while Miami residents face 14.3 calls per week. Tampa even ranks third nationally for unwanted calls per capita, following Atlanta (45.1 calls per week) and Baltimore (18.9 calls per week).
This high volume of calls reflects Florida’s unique demographic and economic landscape, which telemarketers find appealing. Despite the state’s mini-TCPA law – including a rebuttable presumption tying calls to Florida residents – the influx of unwanted calls remains a persistent issue.
8. California
California lands at the eighth spot for telemarketing complaints in 2024. Despite having some of the toughest consumer protection laws in the country, the state’s massive population and bustling economy make it an attractive target for telemarketers. The numbers paint a clear picture of the ongoing challenges Californians face with telemarketing.
Total Estimated Telemarketing Call Volume
In August 2024, Californians endured a staggering 375.8 million robocalls – an average of 12.1 million calls every single day. Breaking it down further, that’s about 8 robocalls per person for the month. Of these, 36% were identified as telemarketing calls.
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
Illegal phone calls and texts are a growing problem nationwide, leading to over $1.2 billion in reported financial losses in 2023 alone. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the frustration caused by robocalls, stating:
"Everyone hates robocalls. Robocalls continue to top the list of most frequent consumer complaints across the country, and their annihilation continues to be a nationwide, bipartisan effort."
California is also actively involved in the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force. This coalition, made up of 51 bipartisan attorneys general, focuses on investigating and taking legal action against those responsible for generating and routing illegal robocall traffic.
Even with strict measures in place – like requiring clear prior consent, maintaining a state-specific Do Not Call list, and imposing fines of up to $11,000 per violation – California continues to grapple with the persistent issue of telemarketing.
9. Georgia
Georgia takes the ninth spot for telemarketing complaints in 2025, with cities like Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Macon experiencing particularly high volumes of spam calls.
Total Estimated Telemarketing Call Volume
The scale of Georgia’s telemarketing issue is staggering. In 2024, the state averaged over 5 million spam calls per day, amounting to tens of millions of unwanted calls each month. This relentless influx places Georgia firmly among the top ten states most affected by robocalls nationwide.
To put it in perspective, in 2023, the average Georgian received 212 spam calls per person. Only Texas (260), Arkansas (235), and Oklahoma (220) reported higher rates, while South Carolina matched Georgia’s numbers. This relentless frequency highlights a growing problem that continues to frustrate residents and fuel complaint volumes.
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
Spam call activity in Georgia showed no signs of slowing down in 2024, driven by increasingly sophisticated scam tactics and gaps in federal oversight. Common scams included IRS impersonations, fake health insurance offers, extended car warranty schemes, fraudulent debt collection calls, and utility-related scams.
To combat this, Georgia introduced new telemarketing laws on July 1, 2024. These reforms made enforcement easier by removing the requirement to prove a "knowing" violation. They also expanded liability to include calls made "on behalf of any person or entity" and allowed private individuals to file class action lawsuits without damage caps . While these measures mark progress, the volume of complaints suggests that the problem remains deeply ingrained.
Complaints per 100,000 Residents
In 2023, Georgia ranked 15th nationwide for telemarketing complaints per 100,000 residents, with 66,808 complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Although this ranking is lower than states like Delaware, Ohio, and Arizona, the sheer number of spam calls per individual paints a clearer picture of the daily disruptions Georgians face. These figures underscore the broader impact of robocalls on residents’ lives.
10. New York
New York takes the tenth spot on the list of states with the most telemarketing complaints in 2025. Despite its strong consumer protection measures, the state still sees a high volume of grievances filed by residents.
Complaints per 100,000 Residents
In 2024, New Yorkers submitted 109,692 telemarketing complaints to the Federal Trade Commission. However, given the state’s large population of nearly 20 million, the per-capita complaint rate is lower compared to states like Delaware (885 complaints per 100,000 people), Ohio (849), and Arizona (813). Interestingly, 75% of New York residents are registered on the National Do Not Call Registry, indicating that most complaints stem from clear violations of telemarketing rules. This high registration rate highlights the state’s proactive stance on consumer protection.
Year-over-Year Change in Complaints
In 2024, New York ramped up enforcement efforts, assisting 29,000 households and recovering over $2.3 million. The state’s investigations into Do Not Call violations resulted in settlements with seven telemarketing companies, bringing in nearly $1.2 million in fines. Telemarketers found in violation can face penalties of up to $20,000 per call. To bolster these efforts, New York introduced the "Seinfeld Law", further tightening consumer protection measures.
New Law Implementation
On January 1, 2025, New York implemented the "Seinfeld Law", which requires telemarketers to identify themselves within the first 30 seconds of a call. Under this law, they must state their name, the purpose of the call, provide an internal Do Not Call option, and disclose whether the call is being recorded.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley stresses the importance of consumer reporting in holding violators accountable. The Division of Consumer Protection uses complaint data to track and prosecute offenders. State officials actively encourage residents to report every unwanted call, helping to identify repeat violators and take legal action.
Why Some States Get More Telemarketing Calls
Ever wonder why some states seem to deal with more telemarketing calls than others? It all boils down to a mix of factors like population density, demographics, state regulations, reporting habits, and even how people in different areas respond to calls. Let’s break it down.
Population Density and Urban Centers play a huge part. Scammers and telemarketers love large cities because they can target more people in less time. High-density regions are a goldmine for both legitimate marketing and fraudulent schemes.
Demographic Targeting is another key factor. Take Arizona, for instance. With 1.5 million Medicare-eligible residents, it’s an attractive target for scams aimed at retirees. Research also shows that women and people over 40 are more likely to pick up these calls, making them prime targets.
State Regulations and Tax Policies can either protect residents or leave them exposed. States with weaker telemarketing laws or tax policies that unintentionally benefit scammers often see higher call volumes.
Reporting Culture influences the numbers, too. Some states report more complaints simply because their residents are more proactive about reporting unwanted calls. High complaint rates don’t always mean more calls – it could just mean people are better at speaking up.
For instance, official data shows Ohio with 859 complaints per 100,000 people, followed closely by Delaware at 850. Illinois and other states also report high numbers.
Geographic Response Patterns also come into play. Studies suggest people in rural areas tend to answer their phones more often, making them easier targets for telemarketers.
These factors help explain the trends in telemarketing complaints and why some states are hit harder than others. They also highlight the importance of knowing how to report and block those pesky calls.
How to Report and Stop Unwanted Calls
Unwanted telemarketing calls can be incredibly frustrating, but there are effective ways to put an end to them. Here’s how you can take action:
Register Your Number and Keep Records. Start by registering your phone number at DoNotCall.gov. If you’re already listed on the National Do Not Call Registry and still receive these calls, inform the telemarketer during the call and make a note of their response. Be sure to document every call – write down the caller’s name, company, phone number, and the time they called. This detailed record will be essential if you need to file a complaint later.
File a Formal Complaint. Use your documentation to file complaints with the FTC through DoNotCall.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also submit a complaint to the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints. These agencies rely on consumer reports to crack down on illegal telemarketing and scams.
Use Call-Blocking Tools. Many phone providers offer call-blocking tools – activate these features to reduce unwanted calls. You can also download call-blocking apps for extra protection. For spam text messages, forward them to 7726 (which spells "SPAM") to report the sender.
Report Persistent Telemarketers. If the calls persist, consider using ReportTelemarketer.com. This free service investigates unwanted calls and files cease-and-desist actions on your behalf. They operate under telephone consumer protection laws and may even recover attorney’s fees from the telemarketer once the calls are stopped.
Know the Penalties. Illegal telemarketing calls can result in fines of up to $50,120 per call. These penalties give regulators the power to act against violators.
Take Additional Steps. If the calls involve scams or threats, report them to your state’s consumer protection office or contact local law enforcement. These agencies can provide further assistance and ensure your concerns are addressed.
Conclusion
In 2024, Delaware, Ohio, and Arizona topped the list for telemarketing complaints per 100,000 residents. While these figures underline the ongoing issue of unwanted calls, there’s a silver lining – complaints about telemarketing calls have dropped by over 50% since 2021, thanks to strengthened enforcement measures. Still, the scale of the problem remains daunting. In January 2025 alone, Americans received 4.7 billion robocalls, with telemarketing calls making up 36% of that total.
Despite some progress, the fight against robocalls is far from over. The volume of robocalls has been climbing again in 2025. Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail, highlights the ongoing nature of the problem:
"We’re seeing robocalls continue to trend higher in 2025, after a long stretch of being stable or trending down. The robocall problem clearly hasn’t been solved, and there’s still a need for apps and services that protect consumers."
Every complaint filed plays a crucial role, helping regulatory bodies identify trends and craft policies to curb illegal calling practices. As of September 2024, the National Do Not Call Registry had 254 million active registrations, showing that consumers are still actively engaged in the fight against unwanted calls.
Whether you’re in a state like Delaware with high complaint rates or anywhere else in the U.S., your efforts matter. By using the reporting tools and strategies covered in this article, you’re not just protecting yourself – you’re contributing to a broader push to tackle this ongoing issue. Together, these actions help chip away at the nuisance of unwanted calls.
FAQs
Why does Delaware still have the highest telemarketing complaint rate even though complaints are decreasing overall?
Delaware remains at the forefront when it comes to telemarketing complaint rates, largely due to its high number of Do Not Call (DNC) complaints per 100,000 residents in 2024, even as complaints have decreased nationwide. This trend might stem from heightened public awareness and a proactive approach to reporting by its residents.
The state’s commitment to consumer protection plays a significant role as well. Efforts led by Delaware’s Consumer Protection Unit motivate individuals to report violations, ensuring accountability. At the same time, the ongoing issue of phone scams and fraudulent calls has prompted more people to take action, which helps explain why Delaware’s complaint rate remains elevated compared to the national trend.
How do state laws impact telemarketing complaints in states like Ohio and Illinois?
State laws significantly influence the number of telemarketing complaints in places like Ohio and Illinois. In Ohio, telemarketers are required to be upfront by providing their real name, company name, the reason for the call, and details about the product or service they’re offering. These rules give consumers the tools to recognize and report violations, which helps keep complaints in check.
Illinois, on the other hand, focuses on cracking down on deceptive practices like robocalls through stricter fraud and spoofing laws. These tougher regulations aim to hold telemarketers accountable for misleading tactics. The active enforcement of consumer protection laws in both states likely explains the higher number of complaints, as more people understand their rights and are encouraged to take action.
How can I reduce unwanted telemarketing calls and report violations effectively?
To cut down on those pesky telemarketing calls, start by signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry. It’s a free service that helps block legitimate telemarketing calls from reaching you. On top of that, consider using call-blocking apps or tools. These can automatically filter out spam calls, saving you the hassle.
Still getting unwanted calls? You can report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or directly to the Do Not Call Registry. Your reports play a key role in helping authorities crack down on telemarketers who ignore the rules. By taking these steps, you can reduce disruptions and help hold rule-breakers accountable.
