Key Findings
Area code 918 (Tulsa, Oklahoma) ranks #148 nationally with 31,560 FTC complaints from 13,504 unique scam numbers. ScamVerify™ analysis reveals Tulsa as the most impersonation-automated area code in Oklahoma: the 918 impersonation robocall rate is 78.5%, meaning nearly 4 in 5 impersonation calls from Tulsa numbers are pre-recorded. This is significantly higher than Oklahoma City's 405 at 65.7% and above the national impersonation robocall average.
Medical scams lead at 4,729 complaints (67.1% robocall rate), followed by impersonation at 4,588. The 75.0% in-state targeting rate confirms 918 is primarily a neighbor-spoofing code targeting Tulsa-area Oklahomans. Warranties rank #4 at 893 with a 79.3% robocall rate, the highest automated rate of any 918 category. Tulsa shares Oklahoma's OG&E and PSO (Public Service Company of Oklahoma) utility scam exposure, with energy/solar complaints at 456 (68.4% robocall). For full Oklahoma state context including the OG&E Google payment scam, see ScamVerify's Oklahoma Phone Scam Report and 405 OKC deep dive.
918 in the Oklahoma Context
Tulsa ranks #2 among Oklahoma's 4 area codes.
| Area Code | Region | Complaints | Nat'l Rank | In-State % | Impersonation Robocall % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 405 | Oklahoma City | 55,487 | #21 | 70.2% | 65.7% |
| 918 | Tulsa | 31,560 | #148 | 75.0% | 78.5% |
| 580 | Western OK | 15,982 | #264 | 58.8% | 66.5% |
| 539 | Tulsa overlay | 8,430 | #312 | 51.6% | 63.2% |
Tulsa's 75.0% in-state targeting is the highest in Oklahoma, confirming it serves primarily as a local targeting zone. The 539 Tulsa overlay drops to 51.6% with lower impersonation automation (63.2%), indicating it handles more out-of-state campaigns.
The 78.5% Impersonation Robocall Rate
Tulsa's impersonation automation is the highest in Oklahoma and above most area codes in our series.
| Area Code | Location | Impersonation Complaints | Impersonation Robocall % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 918 | Tulsa | 4,588 | 78.5% |
| 405 | Oklahoma City | 4,454 | 65.7% |
| 225 | Baton Rouge LA | 3,092 | 75.0% |
| 402 | Omaha NE | 4,551 | 79.5% |
At 78.5%, nearly 4 in 5 impersonation calls from 918 numbers are automated recordings. For comparison, Nashville (615) has the lowest medical robocall rate in our series at 47.1%. Tulsa's high impersonation automation suggests large-scale VoIP operations delivering pre-recorded government/business impersonation messages through Tulsa numbers.
918's Scam Category Profile
| Rank | Scam Category | Complaints | Robocall % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical and prescriptions | 4,729 | 67.1% |
| 2 | Government/business impersonation | 4,588 | 78.5% |
| 3 | Debt reduction | 1,065 | 70.4% |
| 4 | Warranties and protection plans | 893 | 79.3% |
| 5 | Energy, solar, and utilities | 456 | 68.4% |
| 6 | Computer and tech support | 180 | 61.7% |
| 7 | Vacation and timeshares | 150 | 32.0% |
| 8 | Charities | 140 | 55.0% |
Medical and impersonation are tightly clustered (4,729 vs. 4,588), separated by just 141 complaints. Warranties at 893 have the highest robocall rate of any category (79.3%). Energy/solar at 456 is elevated by OG&E (Oklahoma Gas & Electric) and PSO (Public Service Company of Oklahoma, an AEP subsidiary) impersonation campaigns. PSO specifically serves the Tulsa metro and surrounding area.
Top 10 Most Reported 918 Phone Numbers
| Rank | Phone Number | Complaints | Primary Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (918) 201-9637 | 54 | Mixed |
| 2 | (918) 612-2471 | 48 | Robocaller (100%) |
| 3 | (918) 268-7050 | 47 | Mixed |
| 4 | (918) 512-2085 | 44 | Mixed |
| 5 | (918) 215-8637 | 42 | Mixed |
| 6 | (918) 298-7033 | 39 | Mixed |
| 7 | (918) 514-5181 | 38 | Mixed |
| 8 | (918) 446-6413 | 36 | Mixed |
| 9 | (918) 305-7760 | 35 | Mixed |
| 10 | (918) 512-0330 | 34 | Mixed |
Tulsa's top numbers have lower individual counts (max 54) compared to area codes like Las Vegas (126) or Portland (213). This suggests scam operations distribute their volume across a wider pool of numbers rather than concentrating on a few. (918) 612-2471 is a pure robocaller at 100%. (918) 512-2085 and (918) 512-0330 share the 918-512 prefix, suggesting a connected operation.
Tulsa's OKC Connection
Tulsa and Oklahoma City form a dual-metro scam corridor along the I-44/Turner Turnpike corridor.
| Metric | 918 Tulsa | 405 OKC |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 31,560 | 55,487 |
| #1 Category | Medical (4,729) | Medical (4,717) |
| Impersonation Robocall % | 78.5% | 65.7% |
| In-State % | 75.0% | 70.2% |
| Nat'l Rank | #148 | #21 |
Despite having 43% fewer total complaints, Tulsa actually has more medical complaints than OKC (4,729 vs. 4,717) and a higher impersonation robocall rate. OKC's larger total is driven by debt reduction (2,897 in 405 vs. 1,065 in 918) and home improvement (580 vs. 175).
What to Do If You Get a Scam Call From a 918 Number
- Check any 918 number on ScamVerify's phone lookup before calling back. We have 13,504 known scam numbers in the 918 area code.
- Report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the OK AG at 1-833-681-1895.
- PSO and OG&E never threaten immediate disconnection. PSO serves the Tulsa metro. Verify at psoklahoma.com.
- The 75% in-state rate means most 918 scam calls target you specifically. Tulsa is a neighbor-spoofing zone, not a nationwide campaign code.
- Be skeptical of impersonation calls from 918. With 78.5% of impersonation calls automated, nearly 4 in 5 are pre-recorded. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not use pre-recorded messages to demand payment.
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FAQ
Why does Tulsa have such a high impersonation robocall rate?
The 918 area code has a 78.5% impersonation robocall rate, meaning nearly 4 in 5 impersonation calls are pre-recorded. This is higher than OKC's 405 (65.7%) and above most area codes. Large-scale VoIP operations deliver automated government/business impersonation messages through Tulsa numbers because the 918 area code has established local trust (75.0% in-state targeting).
How does 918 compare to Oklahoma City's 405?
405 OKC has 55,487 complaints (#21 nationally) vs. 918 Tulsa's 31,560 (#148). But Tulsa actually has more medical complaints (4,729 vs. 4,717) and a higher impersonation robocall rate (78.5% vs. 65.7%). OKC's larger total is driven by debt and home improvement. For OKC details, see ScamVerify's 405 deep dive.
What types of scams target Tulsa the most?
Medical leads at 4,729 complaints (67.1% robocall), followed by impersonation at 4,588 (78.5%) and debt at 1,065 (70.4%). Warranties are #4 at 893 (79.3% robocall). PSO and OG&E utility impersonation drives energy complaints at 456 (68.4%).
Is area code 918 legitimate?
Yes. 918 is a legitimate area code serving Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma since 1953. Many Tulsa businesses, hospitals, and government offices use 918 numbers. The 539 overlay serves the same area. However, with 13,504 known scam numbers, unsolicited calls from unknown 918 numbers should be treated with caution.
How do I report a scam call from 918?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the Oklahoma AG at oklahoma.gov/oag or 1-833-681-1895. For PSO utility scams, verify at psoklahoma.com. For full Oklahoma analysis, see ScamVerify's Oklahoma Phone Scam Report.
