'Add me on WhatsApp' scam complaints triple in September
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 13:48 · Archive
The UK's data regulator received over 3,600 complaints about automated 'add me on WhatsApp' calls in September, nearly triple July's volume.
The UK's data regulator is investigating a sharp increase in reports of automated 'add me on WhatsApp' robo-calls, in which a recorded voice urges people to connect. The Information Commissioner's Office received more than 3,600 complaints about these calls in September, nearly triple the volume recorded in July and marking a five-year high. The ICO believes the true scale is much larger, with millions potentially affected.
The calls typically originate from what appears to be a UK mobile number and often mention part-time work opportunities. The scam appears to have risen after WhatsApp recently enabled a new feature allowing users to block messages from people not in their contacts. Users have discussed the calls on Reddit, with some reporting they receive several a week, though many do not pick up thanks to Apple's call screening system.
Martin Richardson, senior partner at National Fraud Helpline, warned that by adding the number users allow scammers to defeat WhatsApp's ability to block scam messages. He advised: 'If you receive one of these voicemail messages, simply delete it and forget about it.'
How it is being reported
- What is the 'add me on WhatsApp' scam as over 3,600 complaints made to regulatorThe Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) received more than 3,600 complaints about these automated calls in September.Malvern Gazette · 11 Oct, 13:21
- What is the 'add me on WhatsApp' scam as over 3,600 complaints made to regulatorThe Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) received more than 3,600 complaints about these automated calls in September.Worcester News · 11 Oct, 13:21
In this story: Information Commissioner's Office · WhatsApp · National Fraud Helpline · Martin Richardson · Apple
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