Scam Calls Surge – Nomorobo Explains What to Watch For
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Phone scammers are getting smarter and more deceptive. A recent local news report from KSBY highlighted how criminals are increasingly using fake local area codes to trick people into answering robocalls.
Read the full report here:
https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/scammers-use-local-area-codes-to-trick-consumers#google_vignette
Americans are receiving four to five billion unwanted calls per month, according to data from YouMail. More than half of those calls are tied to scams or telemarketing.
Residents say the calls are constant.
“Ten a day or more,” said one Los Osos resident. Another Paso Robles resident reported receiving “a couple times a day,” declining and blocking each number.
Law enforcement officials say complaints come in almost daily.
“It’s a very common theme,” said a San Luis Obispo Police lieutenant.
The Rise of Local Number Spoofing
Experts say scammers are increasingly using local area code spoofing, manipulating caller ID to make calls appear as though they’re coming from nearby.
According to Nomorobo, nearly three in four robocalls in 2025 used fake local numbers, representing a 50% increase over last year.
The tactic works because consumers are more likely to answer calls from familiar looking numbers.
Even cautious users can get caught. One resident reported that after accidentally answering a spoofed call, the volume of scam calls noticeably increased.
Why Spoofing Works
Scammers rely on trust and familiarity. A local number suggests a neighbor, business, or school, not a scam operation across the country or overseas.
Once answered, fraudsters may:
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Attempt to gather personal information
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Promote fake services
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Escalate contact frequency
Experts warn that engaging, even briefly, can signal that a number is active, potentially increasing future calls.
What Officials Recommend
Law enforcement urges consumers to:
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Avoid answering unknown numbers
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Never share personal or financial information
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Use call blocking tools
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Report scams when possible
San Luis Obispo Police say incidents can be reported through their non emergency line at (805) 781-7312, and some cases are referred for federal investigation.
Consumers can also report robocalls and scams to the Federal Trade Commission:
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Nomorobo continues to track nationwide robocall patterns and publishes updates through its Fraud Fighters resource:
https://www.nomorobo.com/fraudfighters
