Report finds Tennessee among top states for scam calls

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennesseans are being hit hard by robocalls, with new data showing the state ranks among the worst in the country.

Robocalls are something most people have had to deal with, and experts say the problem is only getting worse.

Ammy Archer, research lead and media specialist with the data company WhistleOut, says the best way to handle these calls is to avoid engaging altogether.

“If you get a robocall or a spam call, especially from a number you do not recognize, hang it up immediately,” Archer said. “Ignoring the call is the easiest and best way to deal with spam or illegal robocalls. You want to avoid giving any information to an unknown number, including confirming your name.”

Archer says experts are now seeing scam calls reach an all-time high, in part due to advancements in technology.

“Artificial intelligence is getting better at mimicking human voices, images, and even videos,” Archer said. “People are susceptible to that because they are not necessarily on the lookout for it.”

According to the latest report, Tennessee residents receive more than two billion robocalls each year. That breaks down to about 274 calls per person annually.

The state now ranks as the fifth worst in the nation for these types of calls.

“Southern states are getting hit hardest by robocalls, and we do not know exactly why,” Archer said. “However, it has been a consistent trend over the last five to six years that we have analyzed the data. Tennessee alone has seen a 40 percent increase.”

Archer says residents can help combat the issue by reporting illegal calls through the National Do Not Call Registry.

Officials hope increased awareness and reporting will help reduce the number of unwanted calls and protect consumers from potential scams.