2020 Top Five Robocall Complaints
In 2020, Auto Warranty Robocalls Were Top Unwanted Call Complaint
Auto warranty renewal scams were the top robocall complaint filed with the FCC by consumers in 2020, with long-time front runner, social security phishing scam calls, coming in second. So far in 2021, the number of auto-warranty complaints continues to grow, with January seeing a near 50 percent increase in consumer complaints compared to December 2020.
Auto warranty calls may include specific information about your particular car and warranty that can make the call seem more legitimate. To hear an audio sample of an auto warranty call and to learn how to avoid being scammed, visit our consumer guide on auto warranty scams.
Rounding out the top five unwanted call categories reported to the FCC in 2020 were computer tech support calls, credit repair and credit card rate reduction calls, and health insurance calls.
Most of the reports we receive mention that the unwanted call begins with an automated or pre-recorded message that may instruct you to press a certain number or stay on the line. To avoid robocall scams follow these top tips:
- Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. If you do so by mistake, hang up immediately.
- If you answer the phone and the caller – or a recording – asks you to hit a button to stop getting the calls, you should just hang up. Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets.
Learn more about robocalls and visit the FCC Scam Glossary at fcc.gov/scams. Also check out our consumer guide on call blocking tools and resources. To file a consumer complaint with the FCC, visit fcc.gov/complaints.
These charts display the breakdown, by category, of the top five informal consumer complaints on robocall scams received by the FCC in 2020. The complaints were filed with the FCC between January 1 and December 31, 2020. The issues reflected in each chart were described by consumers when submitting complaints to the FCC. The FCC does not verify all of the facts alleged in the complaints.