UK Watchdog Investigates Surge in 'Add Me on WhatsApp' Scam Calls
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Original source:bbc.co.uk
Key Takeaways
- ICO reports a five-year high in complaints regarding automated scam calls.
- Scammers use spoofed UK numbers to lure victims into WhatsApp conversations.
- Potential risks include money muling, identity theft, and data harvesting.
- Authorities advise blocking unknown numbers and reporting suspicious activity.
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office is launching an investigation into a dramatic rise in automated 'robo calls' targeting the public. These calls, which often originate from spoofed local numbers, prompt recipients to connect via WhatsApp under the guise of flexible job opportunities.
Authorities warn that these interactions are likely part of broader recruitment or phishing schemes designed to exploit individuals. Experts suggest that the reported complaints represent only a fraction of the actual volume, with millions of citizens potentially targeted by these international criminal operations.
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