It’s official: Texas has again claimed the top spot in robocalls, racking up a staggering 553.3 million spam calls in September 2024 alone, marking a 2.8% increase month-over-month. That means Texans were hit with an average of 18.4 million robocalls every day, or 768,500 calls per hour. Imagine the sound of 213.5 robocalls per second—and that’s not an exaggeration!
FInd out about:
- The Most Affected Areas in Texas
- Top 10 Robocallers Targeting Texas
- Breakdown of Robocalls by Category
- How to Protect Yourself from Robocalls in Texas
- FAQs on Robocalls in Texas
This robocall surge highlights a critical need for Texas residents to stay informed about the types of robocalls they’re receiving, the cities most affected, and how to effectively combat this growing nuisance.
The Most Affected Areas in Texas
Though robocalls have become a statewide problem, certain metropolitan areas bear the brunt of the attack:
- Houston consistently leads in robocalls, due to its massive population and economic activity.
- Dallas-Fort Worth isn’t far behind, with millions of robocalls flooding its residents every month.
- San Antonio and Austin have also seen a sharp increase in robocall activity, particularly from debt collectors and telemarketers.
Even rural areas in Texas have not been spared, with many residents reporting a rise in telemarketing and scam calls.
Top 10 Robocallers Targeting Texas
A large chunk of these robocalls comes from known offenders, with financial institutions and debt collectors leading the charge. Here are some of the most active robocallers hitting Texas phones:
| Robocaller | Place of Origin | Caller ID | Caller Type | |
| 1. | 800-955-6600 | Toll Free | Capital One | Bank/Credit Card Payment Reminder |
| 2. | 908-829-0335 | Belle Mead, NJ | Debt Collector | Unknown Robocaller |
| 3. | 866-716-9062 | Toll Free | Bank Debt Collector | Financial Customer Call |
| 4. | 844-863-7350 | Toll Free | Mortgage Loan Spam | Mortgage Loan Spam |
| 5. | 800-942-3767 | Toll Free | Aesop | Substitute Teacher Alert |
| 6. | 800-823-2318 | Toll Free | Debt Collector | Medical Debt Collector |
| 7. | 844-986-2168 | Toll Free | Random Spam | Mortgage Loan Spam |
| 8. | 855-581-1994 | Toll Free | ARstrat | Debt Collector |
| 9. | 877-255-5923 | Toll Free | Financial Customer Call | Financial Customer Call |
| 10. | 877-836-5643 | Toll Free | Citibank | Bank/Credit Card Payment Reminder |
The list goes on, with Citibank and Wells Fargo also showing up, as well as other debt collection and financial service reminders. There’s even a number linked to prison call consent (800-943-2189), emphasizing the wide range of sources for these robocalls.
Breakdown of Robocalls by Category
The robocalls targeting Texas in September 2024 can be divided into several categories:
- Telemarketing (34%): Telemarketers continue to dominate, with companies aggressively pushing their products and services.
- Alerts and Reminders (27%): From appointment reminders to substitute teacher alerts, legitimate robocalls still make up a significant portion.
- Scams (21%): The second-largest category of unwanted calls comes from scam artists, targeting residents with IRS, Social Security, and medical scams.
- Payment Reminders (17%): Financial institutions remain a key player in sending automated reminders for missed or upcoming payments.
- Unclassified (1%): A small percentage of robocalls remains unclassified, although these numbers often align with fraudulent or spam-related activities.
How to Protect Yourself from Robocalls in Texas
With the surge in robocalls across the state, it’s vital for Texans to know how to shield themselves from the deluge of spam. One of the most effective ways to do this is through YouMail’s spam call blocking technology.
YouMail Spam Call Blocking
YouMail has become a trusted resource for millions of users looking to regain control of their phones. It offers robust spam-blocking features that can automatically detect unwanted calls. When an identified spam number attempts to contact you, YouMail plays an “out of service” message, tricking the robocaller into thinking your number is no longer active. The call is then disconnected, preventing future spam attempts from that number.
YouMail’s advanced algorithms are also capable of identifying the type of scam call you receive, such as IRS, Social Security, or credit card scams, and blocking them before they even reach your phone.
The app works across both iOS and Android platforms, allowing all users to experience its benefits. By downloading YouMail, Texans can drastically reduce the number of robocalls they receive each day.
Privacy Protection: YouMail’s Privacy Scan
In addition to blocking robocalls, YouMail also offers a Privacy Scan feature, which helps protect your personal information from online exposure. This free scan identifies where your sensitive data—such as emails, phone numbers, and addresses—might be exposed online, reducing your risk of identity theft or scams.
With continuous monitoring and removal of exposed data, YouMail ensures your privacy remains protected, even as new threats emerge.
Reporting Robocalls in Texas
Texans are encouraged to report robocalls to both federal and state agencies to help fight back against these unwanted intrusions.
Reporting to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC manages the National Do Not Call Registry, a free service for individuals who want to opt out of telemarketing calls. If you’re still receiving robocalls after registering, you can file a complaint with the FTC online.
Reporting to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC oversees interstate communication and takes action against companies making illegal robocalls. Their website has a form where you can submit a complaint regarding any suspicious calls you receive.
Reporting to Texas State Authorities
On the state level, Texans can report robocalls to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, which handles complaints regarding illegal and scam calls. By reporting suspicious activity, residents can aid the state’s efforts to crack down on robocallers and telemarketers.
Additionally, certain cities, like Houston and Dallas, have their own consumer protection agencies that investigate complaints regarding robocalls. Residents in these areas should also consider contacting local authorities for assistance.
Texas Legislation on Robocalls
Texas has implemented strict rules to combat robocalls, such as the Texas Telemarketing Disclosure and Privacy Act. This law requires telemarketers to disclose their identity within the first 30 seconds of a call and gives consumers the right to sue if their privacy is violated by illegal robocalls.
Additionally, under House Bill 1992, which passed in 2021, Texans can now sue companies that make robocalls without prior consent, giving individuals a financial incentive to report and take action against robocall offenders.
FAQs on Robocalls in Texas
Texas received 553.3 million robocalls in September 2024, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous month.
The most common types of robocalls include telemarketing (34%), scams (21%), alerts/reminders (27%), and payment reminders (17%).
You can use apps like YouMail, which blocks spam calls, disconnects robocallers with an out-of-service message, and alerts you about scam calls.
You can report robocalls to the FTC, FCC, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Yes, Texas has several laws, including the Texas Telemarketing Disclosure and Privacy Act and House Bill 1992, which give consumers the right to take legal action against illegal robocallers.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps to block and report spam calls, Texas residents can protect themselves from the rising tide of robocalls.
