The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a warning over a surge in automated nuisance calls, including a scam where callers ask victims to "Add me to WhatsApp". Complaints from the public about these calls have almost tripled in three months, reaching the highest level since 2021.
New figures from the ICO show complaints rose from 1,374 in July to 2,178 in August, an increase of 58%, before climbing a further 69% to 3,684 in September. The sharp rise comes amid growing concern about automated and AI-enabled marketing calls, commonly known as robo calls, as well as other calls which can be used to trick people into joining WhatsApp groups, sharing personal information or engaging with fraudulent schemes.
ICO urges public to report suspicious calls
The ICO said in a statement: "We are actively investigating the rise in automated calls and are urging the public to report their experiences." The regulator is encouraging anyone who receives a suspicious automated call to use its online reporting form.
Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, said: "The sharp rise in complaints about automated calls is deeply concerning. These calls are not just a nuisance; they can cause real distress and are often designed to manipulate people into handing over personal information or money."
Complaints likely 'tip of the iceberg'
Curry added: "The numbers we're seeing are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. We know many people simply hang up and move on without reporting what happened." He stressed that every report helps the ICO build a clearer picture of who is behind these calls and strengthens its ability to take enforcement action.
"The more information we have, the better equipped we are to identify patterns, investigate those responsible and protect the public from harm. Your complaint could play a vital role in helping us stop these operations," Curry said.
Impact on UK WhatsApp users
The warning specifically highlights the "Add me to WhatsApp" scam, where callers ask recipients to add a number on the messaging platform. These calls can lead to victims being added to fraudulent groups or tricked into sharing personal details. The ICO's data shows the scale of the problem is growing rapidly, with September's complaints nearly triple the July figure.
The regulator's investigation is ongoing, and the ICO is urging anyone who receives such a call to report it through its online form to help identify those responsible and prevent further harm.
