If your phone seems to be ringing off the hook with calls from suspicious numbers, you’re not alone. Georgia residents are dealing with one of the nation’s highest rates of robocalls, ranking second only to Louisiana in spam calls received this year.
According to a new study from WhistleOut, Peach State residents have endured over 3.3 billion robocalls in 2024, averaging 307 spam calls per person. And it’s not just an annoyance—it’s a veritable epidemic.
Just the Facts:
• WhistleOut surveyed 1,000 Americans and analyzed nationwide data on robocalls.
• In 2024, Georgia received over 3.3 billion robocalls, the second-highest number in the country.
• The state’s average: 307 robocalls per person annually.
• Louisiana ranks worst, with 339 robocalls per person, followed by Georgia and South Carolina (248 per person).
The Details: Georgia’s robocall problem is widespread, targeting residents across age groups, cities, and counties. These calls often come with a familiar sense of dread as people pick up, only to be met with either silence or an automated voice pushing everything from fake car warranties to fraudulent tax claims. And let’s not get started on the political campaigns.
According to WhistleOut’s report, states in the Southeast seem to be particularly hard-hit. Right behind Georgia is South Carolina, with 1.3 billion robocalls this year, and Alabama is close behind, averaging 248 robocalls per person.
In Context: While robocalls have been a nuisance for years, the uptick is noticeable. Across the nation, two-thirds of Americans report receiving more spam calls in 2024 than in 2023. The increase is especially apparent in states like Georgia, where residents feel like they can barely get through a day without being interrupted by spam.
For those feeling like they have to constantly screen their calls, it’s worth noting that major wireless providers have taken steps to curb robocalls. Most now offer features like call filtering and spam alerts, but scammers continue to find ways around these barriers.
Why It Matters: Spam calls aren’t just annoying—they’re costly. Many of these robocalls are scams, and every year, thousands of people fall victim, losing millions of dollars. Beyond financial risk, robocalls also waste people’s time and create mistrust in phone communications. More Georgians are letting unknown calls go to voicemail, which can mean missed opportunities or important information.
How You Can Help: To cut down on the calls, consider adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, which can help reduce legal telemarketing calls. Most major carriers also offer apps to help block known spam numbers. For those willing to take an extra step, third-party apps like RoboKiller and Nomorobo offer paid options for more robust filtering.
What’s Next?: Georgia officials, along with other states, continue to explore ways to tackle robocalling through legislation. Federal regulators are also working with phone companies to crack down on illegal robocalls, hoping to bring relief to the millions of Americans fed up with spam.
