Spam The number of automated phone calls is increasing., reaching a six-year peak even afterlawmakerspromised to take action againstphonecompanies that permit annoying, unwanted communication.
Across the nation, spam robocalls have reached their highest levels since 2019, with an average of approximately 2.56 billion per month in 2025 — an increase from 2.14 billion per month in 2024, as stated in a recent report by consumer protection organization, U.S. PIRG Education.Fund.
The report was released five years after the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act — known as the TRACED Act — became law. The 2019 law mandated that phone service providers adopt caller ID verification technology and make updates to the system.Federal Communications Commissionwhen they have fully implemented the technology.
However, only 44 percent of phone providers have fully implemented the necessary software and embraced anti-robocall measures — a decrease from 47 percent in 2024, as stated in the report.
Of the 9,242 phone service providers that submitted information to the FCC by September 28, 2025, only 4,084 had fully implemented the automated call-blocking software, a decrease from 4,365 the previous year.
In total, 2,909 businesses had not implemented the required technology – an increase from 2,567 in the previous year. The report indicated that information was unavailable for 553 companies.
It wasn't immediately obvious why the figures had decreased. The report states, "the most probable causes are that businesses provided incorrect data the previous year, merged with entities that didn't meet requirements, or implemented new equipment that isn't in compliance."
The technology is significant as it enables telephone providers to verify that a call is genuinely originating from the number shown. It could also assist in deciding if the call should be blocked or marked as spam before the recipient's phone starts ringing, as stated by PIRG.
In addition to not following the rules, the large quantity ofdaily spam calls that Americans gethas risen sharply. One in three Americans receives at least onescamend the day, while two-thirds receive at least one per week, as stated in the report.
Over 420 million additional fraudulent and telemarketing calls were made each month this year, on average, compared to 2024, as reported by the robocall-blocking company YouMail.
The report also highlights that fraudulent messages are occurring more often and are becoming more sophisticated, with artificial intelligence "making"scamsmore convenient for the villains and more credible to us.
Although these frauds consume time and test one's tolerance, they can also result in financial loss.
The number of fraudulent activities initiated through phone calls resulted in a 16 percent rise in financial losses between the first half of 2024 and the first half of 2025, as reported by the Federal Trade Commission.
Of the individuals who suffered financial losses this year, they averaged a loss of $3,690, as stated in the report.
"This is reminiscent of the Twilight Zone," remarked Teresa Murray, director of the consumer protection division at U.S. PIRG Education Fund.
"When the government requires something to safeguard Americans—such as seat belts—we typically observe greater adherence each year. However, in this instance, fewer companies are safeguarding us, and the number of unwanted calls has risen," said Murray, who also co-authored the report.
In reaction, all U.S. attorneys general participated in a nonpartisan Operation Robocall Roundup in August, issuing warning letters to 37 voice service providers, urging them to halt the transmission of unlawful robocalls through their systems.
"It's shocking that, with nearly one in three people receiving at least one fraudulent call daily, legislators, regulators, and the phone companies aren't taking greater action to stop this," said Faye Park, president of the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.
People have the right to answer their phones without constantly fearing that something negative could occur.
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