Home / Crime and Justice / UK Watchdog Probes Robo Call Surge to WhatsApp Scam
UK Watchdog Probes Robo Call Surge to WhatsApp Scam
9 Oct
Summary
- ICO received over 3,600 robo call complaints in September.
- Automated calls often appear to originate from UK mobile numbers.
- Scam messages frequently mention part-time work opportunities.
The UK's data protection authority, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), is currently investigating a sharp rise in automated 'robo calls.' These calls, which prompt recipients to add the caller on WhatsApp, are suspected of being a gateway to recruitment scams. In September alone, the ICO received more than 3,600 complaints, marking a five-year high and a substantial increase from previous months.
The watchdog believes millions of people across the UK may be receiving these calls and has expressed deep concern over the trend. The automated messages often originate from numbers appearing to be UK mobile numbers. Some of these recorded messages specifically mention an offer for part-time employment, a common lure for fraudulent schemes. The ICO advises the public to ignore unrecognized numbers, block suspicious calls, and report them to the authority.
