ST. PETERSBURG, Fla (BLOOM) – Robocalls are more than just a nuisance; they’re an epidemic costing Americans billions each year. Florida finds itself at the forefront of this battle, with St. Petersburg ranking as one of the hardest-hit cities in the nation, according to a 2024 study by NumberBarn , a phone number management company.
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Florida’s Robocall Reality
In 2024, St. Petersburg reported 6,708 robocall complaints, equating to 700 complaints per 100,000 residents—second only to Tucson, Arizona, in the nation. Jacksonville also landed on the list with 641 complaints per 100,000 residents, highlighting how deeply Floridians are affected by this growing issue.
Statewide, Florida continues to grapple with this problem. Robocalls cost U.S. residents nearly $700 million in 2024, and these figures don’t include text-based scams, which are also on the rise.
The Impact on St. Petersburg Residents
For St. Petersburg residents, these calls represent more than just an annoyance. With a median loss of $1,500 per victim, robocall scams pose a significant financial threat. Older adults are particularly vulnerable, with those over 60 facing median losses of $2,000 per incident.
The holiday season exacerbates the problem, with scammers capitalizing on increased spending and charitable donations. Florida remains a top target during this time, as consumer behavior creates more opportunities for fraudsters.
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Why Florida?
Several factors make Florida a hotspot for robocalls:
- High senior population : Scammers often target older adults, who are more likely to fall victim to fraudulent schemes.
- Booming metropolitan areas : Cities like St. Petersburg and Jacksonville, with their dense populations, provide fertile ground for scammers.
- Tourism-driven economy : Florida’s transient population and reliance on mobile communication make it a prime target for phone-based scams.
How to Protect Yourself
The rise in robocalls has led to the development of tools and techniques to protect consumers:
- Use call-blocking technology : Most carriers and apps now offer features to filter out unwanted calls.
- Register on the National Do Not Call Registry : While not foolproof, this reduces the likelihood of legal telemarketing calls.
- Avoid answering unknown numbers : Let calls from unfamiliar numbers go to voicemail.
- Beware of urgency : Scammers often use pressure tactics to rush decisions. Take your time to verify claims.
- Report scams : Complaints can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
St. Petersburg’s ranking highlights how deeply robocalls have infiltrated Floridians’ lives. But the problem extends far beyond the Sunshine State, with cities like Tucson, Fort Worth, and Las Vegas also making the list…