Americans Endure 2.5 Billion Robocalls in October; 6% Decline from September

U.S. phones received an estimated 2.46 billion robocalls in October, marking a 5.6% decline from September but still representing a 261% increase from one year ago in October 2015.

The nation's robocalling epidemic appears to have stabilized lately, as September and October marked the first time that the country's robocall volume has fallen for two consecutive months since the YouMail Robocall Index™ was launched in September 2015. Still, YouMail estimates that U.S. phones have received more than 24 billion robocalls so far this year.

Americans received an average of 920 robocalls for every second during October, or 79.5 million robocalls daily. These figures come from the latest YouMail Robocall Index™ report released today by YouMail, Inc., the leading provider of intelligent telecom services for consumers and small businesses.

Having answered billions of calls for its users, YouMail uses algorithms to detect any automatically dialed calls and then aggregates that call data into the Robocall Index. YouMail is helping to lead the fight against this growing national dilemma by:

1. Measuring the problem. YouMail's Robocall Index provide additional details about robocalls in each area code, so anyone can research the scope of the problem in their home area codes.
2. Providing solutions for consumers and businesses. YouMail provides iPhone and Android apps that stop robocallers from calling mobile phones by playing them an "out of service" message. YouMail also provides a reverse phone lookup service that allows anyone to identify and comment on suspicious numbers.
3. Helping carriers provide services that block incoming robocalls. YouMail has developed an application program interface (API) that any telecom service provider or third-party developer can use to determine whether a number is problematic.

"Americans have grown tired of the constant drumbeat of automated robocalls that come in at all times of the day or night," said Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail. "YouMail is tackling this annoying problem head-on by providing useful data for analysis, and workable robo-blocking solutions to help consumers and businesses protect themselves."

Inbound Robocalling "Lowlights" from October

Notably, seven area codes received at least one daily robocall per capita on average during October, led by the Atlanta area code 404, which received 56.4 calls per line, or 1.82 calls daily. Atlanta 404 has topped the nation as the most robocalled area code on a per-capita basis for 11 straight months.

Other area codes that averaged more than one daily robocall per capita during October included Pensacola, FL850 (1.41 daily); Dallas 817 (1.26); Gulfport, MS 228 (1.17); Augusta, GA 706 (1.04); Chicago 224 (1.04); and Orlando, FL 407 (1.02).

Texas was the most robocalled state in America for the fifth straight month, with 289.1 million calls received. California, Florida, New York and Georgia were the other most robocalled states in October, and these top five states received more than 1 billion total combined robocalls in October. Pennsylvania had the biggest monthly increase of any state, rising 17% over September to 105.2 million calls and moving up three spots on the Most Robocalled States list.

Five presidential battleground states were among the 20 Most Robocalled States during the month, including Florida (#3), Pennsylvania (#6), Ohio (#8), North Carolina (#9), and Arizona (#20).

In terms of cities, Baton Rouge, LA, experienced the biggest increase in robocalls for October, rising 14% over September to break into the Top 50 Most-Robocalled Cities list at #47, with 16.3 million calls received.

Outbound Robocalling "Lowlights" from October

One credit card company has held the dubious distinction as the nation's most active robocalling phone number for 14 straight months. This one phone number placed 17.2 million calls in October alone, with an estimated 402.6 million calls placed over the whole 14-month period.

During October, 18 of the top 20 robocaller numbers came from debt collectors, including nine bank debt collectors and five retail debt collectors.

Dallas placed 68.8 million robocalls in October, moving up four spots to overtake Los Angeles, Columbus, New York and Atlanta as the city placing the most monthly outbound robocalls. The other Top Five robocalling cites in October were New York, L.A., Phoenix and Atlanta.

The Columbus, OH, 614 area code made 17.2 million fewer calls month-on-month, but it still retained its perch as the nation's most prolific robocalling area code with 48.9 million outbound robocalls in October.

California retained its #1 spot in as the state making the most robocalls for the third straight month, with 214.2 million calls placed in October, a 2.9% increase over September. 

Source: YouMail release