Spam calls plague Americans, Ohio ranks high in complaints

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Spam calls are more than just a nuisance; they disrupt daily life and often serve as a gateway for scammers.

In the past year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been inundated with nearly 100,000 complaints about these unwanted intrusions.

Ohio, in particular, has felt the impact, ranking sixth among states targeted by spam calls.

Between May 2nd, 2023, and May 2nd, 2024, Ohioans reported 3,460 spam calls to the FCC.

While states with larger populations like California, Texas, and Florida top the list, Ohio’s high ranking is concerning.

No state is immune to this problem, however.

Even North Dakota, which reported the fewest complaints, is not completely free from spam calls.

Experts believe the issue is far more widespread than reported numbers suggest, as most people don’t take the time to file complaints.

The consequences of spam calls extend beyond mere annoyance.

Scammers use these calls to deceive and steal money and personal information.

To protect yourself, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers and never disclose personal details over the phone.

The FCC is taking steps to combat spam calls, including imposing hefty fines on illegal robocallers and allowing phone companies to block suspected spam before it reaches consumers.