Debunking the Myth of ‘Spam Area Codes’: Most Spam Calls Are Local
Los Angeles, CA – January 17, 2024 – Think avoiding certain area codes will shield you from spam calls? Incogni’s latest study suggests otherwise. Drawing from the latest Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data, Incogni debunks the long-held belief that specific “spam area codes” are the main culprits behind the deluge of unwanted calls. In reality, 59.81% of spam calls originate from local numbers within the same state as the recipient.
Spam Calls Are Closer Than You Think
Incogni’s analysis reveals a surprising trend: spam calls are not predominantly from distant or exotic area codes, but from numbers mimicking local area codes. This challenges the traditional advice to avoid specific codes like 216 (Cleveland, OH) or 469 (Dallas, TX), which often appear on outdated “do-not-answer” lists.
Instead, these so-called “spam area codes” vary dramatically from state to state. In fact, states like California and Colorado showed a 100% variance in their most reported spam area codes, demonstrating there is no universal list of dangerous prefixes.
Neighbor Spoofing Fuels the Confusion
Much of this confusion stems from a tactic known as neighbor spoofing—where scammers manipulate their caller ID to match the recipient’s local area code. This strategy plays on our instinct to trust local calls, increasing the likelihood of answering.
The result? Recipients assume these calls are legitimate or relevant, leading to the widespread myth that certain area codes themselves are inherently problematic.
Toll-Free Numbers: A Nationwide Spam Threat
While local numbers dominate the landscape of spam, toll-free numbers remain consistent culprits across the U.S. Area codes such as 833, 888, 855, 800, 866, and 844 are repeatedly flagged in spam reports nationwide, making them notable exceptions to the state-by-state variance observed in local numbers.
The Reality of Spam Area Codes: No One-Size-Fits-All
According to Incogni’s study, there is no definitive “spam area code” list that holds true for every state. Instead, spam activity is highly localized, and spammers dynamically adapt their strategies, often spoofing numbers to mirror local patterns.
This means users who rely on filtering or avoiding calls from pre-defined “spam area codes” may still be vulnerable to deceptive tactics.
Data Backed by the FTC
To conduct this study, Incogni analyzed 286,250 spam call reports submitted to the FTC between October 16 and December 8, 2023. Researchers compiled reports from the FTC’s Do Not Call (DNC) registry, removing incomplete entries or those with placeholder numbers like “111111111” or “0.” The result is one of the most comprehensive and current analyses on spam calling patterns to date.
What You Can Do: Digital Hygiene and Policy Reform
With neighbor spoofing making area code-based avoidance ineffective, Incogni recommends a shift in strategy. The key lies in digital hygiene—being cautious about where your personal data is shared online and using tools to minimize your digital footprint.
Incogni also advocates for robust data protection laws to curtail spam calls at their source, reducing access to the data spammers use to exploit individuals.
Final Thoughts
The myth of the “spam area code” is officially debunked. Incogni’s findings show that spam calls are far more local and insidious than previously believed. Rather than relying on obsolete lists or blocking specific area codes, consumers should focus on broader privacy strategies and support stronger legislative measures to protect their data and their phones.
For full access to the study and supporting materials, visit: https://blog.incogni.com/spam-area-codes
FAQs:
Do spam calls really come from local numbers?
Yes. Incogni’s research found that nearly 60% of spam calls come from within the recipient’s state, often using local area codes to appear trustworthy.
What is neighbor spoofing?
Neighbor spoofing is a scam tactic where spammers disguise their number to match your local area code, making you more likely to answer.
Are toll-free numbers still used for spam?
Absolutely. Toll-free area codes like 800, 888, 855, and others are consistent sources of spam calls across the U.S.
Can I avoid spam by blocking specific area codes?
No. Since spam area codes vary widely by state and spammers spoof local numbers, blocking specific area codes is largely ineffective.
What’s the best way to protect against spam calls?
Focus on protecting your personal data, use call-blocking apps, and support stronger data privacy laws that limit access to your contact information.
