Key Findings
West Virginia generates 54,695 FTC complaints from 22,815 unique scam numbers across just 2 area codes, giving it a per-code average of 27,348, among the highest nationally. ScamVerify™ analysis reveals the 304 area code at #83 nationally with 41,047 complaints, ranking higher than any area code in Iowa, Arkansas, Mississippi, or Utah.
Medical scams lead at 5,798 complaints (62.1% robocall rate), closely followed by debt at 4,710 (83.8% robocall) and impersonation at 4,708 (68.9%). West Virginia has the highest charities scam concentration of any state in this batch at 790 complaints (64.8% robocall), elevated by the 681 overlay's 315 charity complaints. The overlay 681 has just 41.2% in-state targeting with debt as its dominant category (84.1% robocall), functioning as a nationwide campaign code.
Both West Virginia Area Codes
| Rank | Area Code | Region | Numbers | Complaints | Per # | In-State % | Nat'l Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 304 | Statewide (original) | 17,160 | 41,047 | 2.4 | 66.4% | #83 |
| 2 | 681 | Statewide (overlay) | 5,655 | 13,648 | 2.4 | 41.2% | #282 |
| Total | 22,815 | 54,695 | 2.4 avg | 53.8% avg |
The 25-point in-state targeting gap (66.4% vs. 41.2%) follows the established/overlay pattern. Both area codes cover the entire state, making West Virginia unusual in having no regional differentiation.
West Virginia's Scam Category Profile
| Rank | Scam Category | Complaints | Robocall % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical and prescriptions | 5,798 | 62.1% |
| 2 | Debt reduction | 4,710 | 83.8% |
| 3 | Government/business impersonation | 4,708 | 68.9% |
| 4 | Warranties and protection plans | 1,321 | 76.1% |
| 5 | Charities | 790 | 64.8% |
| 6 | Tech support | 302 | 67.5% |
| 7 | Lotteries and sweepstakes | 286 | 38.8% |
| 8 | Energy, solar, and utilities | 267 | 65.2% |
Debt and impersonation are virtually tied at #2 and #3 (4,710 vs. 4,708), separated by just 2 complaints. Charities at 790 are the highest share of total complaints (1.4%) of any state in this batch. Lotteries rank #7 at 286, elevated for a small state.
Top 10 Most Reported West Virginia Phone Numbers
| Rank | Phone Number | Complaints | Primary Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (681) 327-1491 | 118 | Charities (11), mixed |
| 2 | (304) 814-5170 | 117 | Warranties (41), mixed |
| 3 | (304) 223-0754 | 94 | Dropped calls (92) |
| 4 | (304) 322-9024 | 74 | Mixed |
| 5 | (681) 642-3067 | 70 | Impersonation (34, 48.6%) |
| 6 | (304) 768-7766 | 66 | Mixed |
| 7 | (681) 316-6464 | 60 | Mixed |
| 8 | (304) 626-0565 | 59 | Warranties (20), mixed |
| 9 | (681) 688-3347 | 58 | Robocaller (100%) |
| 10 | (304) 593-5052 | 58 | Robocaller (100%) |
Four of the top 10 use the 681 overlay despite it having only 25% of total complaints. (304) 814-5170 has 41 warranty complaints from 117 total. (681) 642-3067 has 34 impersonation complaints (48.6%).
What West Virginians Can Do
- Check any suspicious number on ScamVerify's phone lookup before calling back. West Virginia has 22,815 known scam numbers in our database.
- Report scam calls to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the WV AG at ago.wv.gov or 1-800-368-8808.
- Hang up on debt robocalls. At 83.8% robocall rate, the vast majority are pre-recorded and illegal.
- Verify charity calls at give.org. WV has 790 charity scam complaints at 64.8% robocall.
- Be cautious of 681 overlay calls. At 41.2% in-state targeting, most are out-of-state campaigns.
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FAQ
Why does West Virginia's 304 rank #83 nationally?
304 has 41,047 complaints from a state of only 1.8 million people. The area code covers the entire state (no regional split), so all scam activity concentrates in one code. Its 66.4% in-state targeting indicates a mix of local neighbor spoofing and out-of-state campaigns.
What types of scams are most common in West Virginia?
Medical leads at 5,798 (62.1% robocall), with debt (4,710 at 83.8%) and impersonation (4,708 at 68.9%) virtually tied at #2 and #3. Charities are elevated at 790 (1.4% of total), the highest share in this batch.
Is the 681 area code legitimate?
Yes, 681 is a legitimate overlay covering all of West Virginia, added in 2009. However, at 41.2% in-state targeting and 84.1% debt robocall rate, it is heavily exploited for nationwide automated campaigns.
What is the most-reported number in West Virginia?
(681) 327-1491 from the overlay code has 118 complaints with 11 for charities. (304) 814-5170 follows at 117 with 41 warranty complaints.
How do I report a scam call in West Virginia?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the WV AG at ago.wv.gov or 1-800-368-8808.
