Spam Calls Surge in India With Majority of Unknown Calls Flagged as Unwanted
New data reveals rising spam call volume in India with users receiving multiple unwanted calls daily as fraud attempts telemarketing and financial scams increasingly dominate mobile communication patterns
India is witnessing a sharp rise in unwanted calls, with new findings from Truecaller highlighting the scale of the issue. The report places India among the top five countries globally affected by spam calls, pointing to a growing disruption in everyday communication.
For many users, answering an unknown number has become a gamble. What was once an occasional nuisance has now turned into a daily occurrence, with several people reporting two to three spam calls every day. This shift has begun to affect user behavior, as more individuals choose to ignore unfamiliar numbers altogether.
The data paints a concerning picture. Around 66 percent of unknown calls in India are now likely to be spam, meaning that two out of every three such calls may not be genuine. This high spam intensity has contributed to a decline in trust, making even legitimate calls harder to identify.
The nature of these calls is also changing. While telemarketing still accounts for a significant share, a growing portion is linked to financial services and fraudulent activity. Calls related to loans and credit cards make up a notable segment, but more alarming is the rise in scam calls involving requests for sensitive details such as OTPs or banking information.
Fraudulent activity is no longer limited to isolated incidents. Reports suggest that billions of spam and scam calls were recorded in the country over the past year, consuming countless hours of users’ time. The impact goes beyond inconvenience, with many cases directly linked to financial loss.
Globally, the situation varies by region. Countries like Indonesia and Mexico are seeing more calls from lenders, while Chile has a high share of debt collection calls. In contrast, India faces a mixed pattern where commercial promotions and fraud attempts overlap, making it harder for users to differentiate between safe and risky calls.
The problem is not limited to voice calls. Spam messages have also surged, with large volumes of unsolicited SMS reaching users daily. Together, these trends indicate a broader issue driven by rapid digital adoption and increased data exposure.
Experts point to automated calling systems and data leaks as key reasons behind this surge. With technology enabling mass outreach in a short time, scammers are finding it easier to target large audiences. As artificial intelligence tools continue to evolve, the challenge of controlling spam communication may become even more complex.
The growing volume of spam calls is now more than just an annoyance. It is gradually eroding trust in basic communication, raising concerns about how users can safely navigate an increasingly connected world.
