Scammers Use Fake Local Area Codes to Increase Robocall Success
February 17, 2026
Fraud Fighter Alert: “Tariff Refund” Scam Likely Incoming
February 20, 2026
Iowa Warned of Robocall Spike
Iowans were urged to stay vigilant as robocalls and phone scams ramped up. This is a pattern that often follows high-activity shopping periods and major news events, when scammers know people are busy and distracted.
In the KIWA Radio report, Matt Mizenko, General Manager of Nomorobo, said scam activity had surged in recent weeks, with fraud attempts tied to major national events (including government-related disruptions) and an increasing use of AI to make scams sound more convincing.
While the initial warning was tied to a specific moment in time, the same scam playbook continues: criminals keep riding whichever “official” deadlines and news cycles people are paying attention to.
Health Insurance Scams and Enrollment Deadlines
One area flagged in the report was health insurance open enrollment scams, where fraudsters try to exploit urgency and confusion around sign up windows.
Scammers may continue using “enrollment” language to pressure people into sharing personal details or paying fake fees, especially by pretending to offer “quick help” or “lower premiums.”
Scammers don’t rely on a particular time of year, they rely on timing. Government headlines and enrollment periods create believable hooks that scammers use to manufacture urgency and credibility.
“Unknown Caller” Isn’t the Only Red Flag
Mizenko advises consumers to be cautious of any call that comes in labeled as “unknown caller.” However, he stresses that even calls that appear legitimate may not be what they seem.
Spoofing technology allows scammers to manipulate caller ID information so that numbers appear local, official, or even government related. Nomorobo has seen a recent surge in spoofed government numbers that look authentic but are not connected to any legitimate agency.
Practical Steps to Reduce Risk
To reduce exposure to fraud, Mizenko recommends:
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Downloading a phone protection app to add an extra layer of security
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Asking callers detailed questions about who they are and why they’re calling
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Remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information
He emphasizes that consumers should not hesitate to hang up and verify independently.
As robocallers continue to adapt their tactics, awareness and caution remain essential tools in staying protected.
Consumers can 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
