Key Findings
Nebraska generates 58,931 FTC complaints from 24,226 unique scam numbers across 3 area codes. ScamVerify™ analysis reveals Omaha's 402 area code as a high-ranking outlier at #91 nationally with 39,101 complaints, more than many area codes in states with twice Nebraska's population.
Impersonation leads statewide at 6,870 complaints with a 77.4% robocall rate, the highest impersonation automation of any state in the current batch. The most-reported number, (402) 836-4486, has 581 complaints. Nebraska has an unusually elevated home improvement category at 740 complaints (46.8% robocall) for a state of 2 million people. The 531 Omaha overlay has just 39.9% in-state targeting with debt as its #1 category (87.3% robocall), functioning as a nationwide campaign code.
All 3 Nebraska Area Codes: Ranked by Complaints
| Rank | Area Code | Region | Numbers | Complaints | Per # | In-State % | Nat'l Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 402 | Omaha / Eastern NE | 15,605 | 39,101 | 2.5 | 73.4% | #91 |
| 2 | 531 | Omaha (overlay) | 4,283 | 10,154 | 2.4 | 39.9% | #304 |
| 3 | 308 | Western Nebraska | 4,338 | 9,676 | 2.2 | 50.3% | #307 |
| Total | 24,226 | 58,931 | 2.4 avg | 54.5% avg |
The 402 area code generates 66.4% of all Nebraska complaints and ranks #91 nationally, higher than any area code in Iowa, Arkansas, Mississippi, or West Virginia.
Omaha: The Impersonation Hub
The Omaha metro (402 + 531) generates 49,255 combined complaints, 83.6% of the state total.
| Area Code | Coverage | Complaints | In-State % | #1 Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 402 | Omaha / Lincoln | 39,101 | 73.4% | Impersonation (4,551, 79.5% robocall) |
| 531 | Omaha (overlay) | 10,154 | 39.9% | Debt (1,053, 87.3% robocall) |
The 402 area code's impersonation robocall rate of 79.5% is the highest for any established code in this batch. Home improvement in 402 is also elevated at 669 complaints (47.8% robocall). The overlay 531 at 39.9% in-state follows the standard campaign-code pattern.
Nebraska's Scam Category Profile
| Rank | Scam Category | Complaints | Robocall % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government/business impersonation | 6,870 | 77.4% |
| 2 | Medical and prescriptions | 5,278 | 54.2% |
| 3 | Debt reduction | 3,448 | 79.3% |
| 4 | Warranties and protection plans | 1,641 | 70.5% |
| 5 | Home improvement and cleaning | 740 | 46.8% |
| 6 | Charities | 684 | 41.7% |
| 7 | Energy, solar, and utilities | 406 | 65.3% |
| 8 | Tech support | 305 | 60.0% |
Impersonation leads by 30% over medical (6,870 vs. 5,278). The 77.4% impersonation robocall rate is the highest of any state in the current batch. Home improvement at 740 is elevated for a state of 2 million people. OPPD (Omaha Public Power District) and LES (Lincoln Electric System) impersonation drives energy complaints at 406.
Top 10 Most Reported Nebraska Phone Numbers
| Rank | Phone Number | Complaints | Primary Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (402) 836-4486 | 581 | Tech support (22), mixed |
| 2 | (402) 935-7733 | 213 | Impersonation (31), mixed |
| 3 | (402) 207-5257 | 180 | Medical (52), mixed |
| 4 | (402) 413-9415 | 121 | Impersonation (71, 58.7%) |
| 5 | (402) 609-5706 | 110 | Debt (26), mixed |
| 6 | (402) 856-8684 | 106 | Impersonation (100, 94.3%) |
| 7 | (402) 275-2138 | 88 | Mixed |
| 8 | (531) 208-6542 | 88 | Mixed (medical 12) |
| 9 | (402) 307-5145 | 87 | Mixed |
| 10 | (402) 275-9611 | 81 | Impersonation (100%) |
(402) 836-4486 leads all Nebraska numbers with 581 complaints, the highest in the state. (402) 856-8684 is a dedicated impersonation line with 100 of 106 complaints (94.3%). (402) 275-9611 is also 100% impersonation. Nine of the top 10 use the 402 Omaha code.
What Nebraskans Can Do
- Check any suspicious number on ScamVerify's phone lookup before calling back. Nebraska has 24,226 known scam numbers in our database.
- Report scam calls to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the NE AG at ago.nebraska.gov or 402-471-2682.
- Impersonation calls are 77.4% automated. Most are pre-recorded and illegal. Legitimate government and business calls are not pre-recorded.
- OPPD and LES never threaten disconnection by phone. Verify with OPPD at 402-536-4131 or LES at 402-475-4211.
- Be cautious of 531 overlay calls. At 39.9% in-state targeting and 87.3% debt robocall, most 531 calls are nationwide scams.
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FAQ
Why does Omaha's 402 rank so high nationally?
402 ranks #91 with 39,101 complaints, generating 66.4% of all Nebraska scam activity. Impersonation leads at 4,551 (79.5% robocall). Omaha is the headquarters of several large companies (Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha), and the area code has deep VoIP number inventory exploited for automated campaigns.
What types of scams are most common in Nebraska?
Impersonation leads at 6,870 (77.4% robocall), followed by medical at 5,278 (54.2%) and debt at 3,448 (79.3%). Home improvement is elevated at 740. Energy/utility scams total 406 from OPPD and LES impersonation.
Is the 531 area code a scam?
No, 531 is a legitimate overlay for the Omaha metro. However, at 39.9% in-state targeting and 87.3% debt robocall rate, it is heavily exploited for nationwide campaigns. Most 531 calls to Nebraska residents are automated scams.
What is the most-reported number in Nebraska?
(402) 836-4486 has 581 complaints with 22 for tech support and the rest mixed categories. The number has a 58% robocall rate.
How do I report a scam call in Nebraska?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the Nebraska AG at ago.nebraska.gov or 402-471-2682.
