Spam Calls in Oklahoma: Breaking Down the Numbers and How You Can Stay Safe
Oklahoma, we need to talk about something that affects all of us. No, it’s not the weather or where to find the best BBQ in town. It’s those pesky spam calls. They ring you up at the worst times, leaving you wondering who actually has time to make all these calls. Well, it turns out—a lot of people do! In August 2024 alone, Oklahomans were hit with a staggering 63.2 million spam calls. Yep, you read that right!
Let’s dive into what’s going on with spam calls in Oklahoma and, more importantly, how you can stay ahead of them.
The Numbers: A Glimpse into the Spam Call Scene in Oklahoma
It’s wild how many spam calls are placed every day in the state. According to the latest data from the YouMail Robocall Index, here’s what August 2024 looked like:
- Total calls placed: 63.2 million
- Daily spam calls: 2.0 million
- Per hour: 84.9K
- Per second: 23.6 (Yes, every second!)
On average, each person in Oklahoma got hit with about 18.3 calls in August. If you’re like most of us, it can feel like even more. The kicker? Spam calls went up by 2.4% compared to the previous month, showing us this problem isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Why So Many Spam Calls?
Oklahoma isn’t alone in the spam call epidemic, but there’s something about our state that attracts these digital pests. Some experts believe it’s due to a combination of factors:
- Lax regulations on spam call enforcement
- Large population of mobile phone users
- Aggressive marketing practices by companies
These robocalls target everyone from the young to the elderly, trying to sell everything from auto warranties to vacation packages. Some are even sneakier, pretending to be government agencies or banks to steal personal information. That’s where the real trouble starts.
The Usual Suspects: Common Spam Call Scams
Before we dive into solutions, let’s talk about some of the common spam call scams targeting Oklahomans.
1. Auto Warranty Scam
You know the one. You pick up the phone, and a friendly voice tells you that your car’s extended warranty is about to expire. Spoiler alert: it’s probably a scam. The FTC has been chasing these guys for years, but like a game of whack-a-mole, they keep popping back up.
2. IRS/Tax Scam
This one is scary because the scammers pretend to be IRS agents, threatening you with legal action if you don’t pay up immediately. The IRS will never call you demanding immediate payment. If you get a call like this, hang up!
3. Medical/Health Insurance Scams
With health insurance being a hot topic, scammers love to call and offer fake medical plans or claim you owe money for services you never received.
4. Student Loan Forgiveness Scam
With all the news around student loans, this scam has gained momentum. The scammer offers a too-good-to-be-true deal to erase your student loan debt—if you just provide a little personal information first.
5. Social Security Scam
This one is particularly cruel because it often targets seniors. The caller claims there’s an issue with your Social Security number, and unless you provide personal details, your benefits will be suspended.
How to Spot a Spam Call in Oklahoma
Spam calls can sometimes sound legit, which is what makes them dangerous. Here are some telltale signs you’re dealing with a scam:
- Unexpected Calls: If you didn’t sign up for a service or haven’t requested information, be wary of any unsolicited offers over the phone.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers love to make you feel like you have to act immediately. Legitimate companies and government agencies won’t demand immediate payment or personal information.
- Too Good to Be True: If they’re offering you something that sounds like an unbelievable deal (like erasing debt or winning a prize), it probably is.
Download YouMail and instantly stop spam calls, texts, and voicemail.
How to Stop Spam Calls: You’ve Got Options
Oklahomans, you’re not powerless against these spammy annoyances. Here are a few ways you can take back control of your phone:
1. Block Calls
Most smartphones have built-in spam filters that let you block known scam numbers. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a great start. Also, third-party apps like YouMail can take your call blocking game to the next level by automatically identifying and blocking spam calls for you.
2. Don’t Engage
The more you interact with these calls, the more likely you are to get added to their list. That means no pressing “1 to speak to an agent,” no calling back, and definitely no giving out any personal info. If you don’t recognize the number, it’s okay to let it go to voicemail.
3. Join the National Do Not Call Registry
This might seem like a no-brainer, but joining the National Do Not Call Registry can cut down on legitimate telemarketing calls. It won’t stop scammers, but it can reduce the noise.
4. Use YouMail
Here’s where YouMail comes in handy. With YouMail’s spam call protection, you can block unwanted callers, even those sneaky ones who keep switching numbers. Plus, YouMail’s call screening helps you ensure that the people reaching you are the ones you actually want to hear from. Whether it’s for work or personal use, we’ve got you covered.
How to Communicate Safely with YouMail
Staying safe from spam calls is about more than just avoiding nuisance—it’s about protecting your personal information and privacy. Here’s how YouMail can help Oklahomans communicate safely:
- Spam Call Blocking: YouMail doesn’t just block spam calls; it makes sure your voicemail is protected from impersonation scams and robocalls that try to trick you into sharing sensitive information.
- Second Phone Number: YouMail offers the option to use a second phone number for business or other purposes. This way, your personal number stays private while still staying connected for work or other needs.
- Call Screening: Get extra protection with call screening that stops 100% of spam calls from reaching you. You’ll be able to focus on real conversations without worrying about every ring being another scam.
Wrapping It Up: Stay Spam-Free, Oklahoma!
Spam calls aren’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. From using call-blocking apps like YouMail to being aware of the latest scams, you can take steps today to protect yourself. And the best part? It doesn’t take much to start taking back control of your phone.
Remember, when in doubt—don’t answer. Spam calls thrive on interaction. So, the next time your phone rings with an unknown number, let YouMail handle it, and you can focus on the things that really matter—like finding the best BBQ spot in Oklahoma!
