Add me to WhatsApp' scam calls to be investigated
BBC News reports on a rise in 'robo calls' where a recorded voice asks you to add them on WhatsApp, suspected to lead to a recruitment scam.
UK's Data Watchdog Steps In
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) received over 3,600 complaints about automated calls in September, a five-year high, and nearly three times the number in July.
Concerns and Advice
The ICO is "deeply concerned" by this sharp increase and advises people to:
- Ignore calls from unrecognized numbers.
- Block and report suspicious calls to the watchdog.
The Scam Suspects
Simon Fell from the Communications Crime Strategy Group suggests the automated calls are likely part of a recruitment scam, possibly involving money laundering or phishing.
International Scope
According to Andy Curry, ICO's head of criminal investigations, the calls appear to originate abroad, with the true extent of the issue possibly being much larger than reported.
Industry Response
Mobile companies are taking action, including reporting intelligence to Ofcom, collaborating with law enforcement, and working with Meta (WhatsApp's owner) to combat these automated calls. Meta also highlights features like silencing calls from unknown numbers for user protection.
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