**ICO Launches Probe Into ‘Add me on WhatsApp’ Recruitment Scam Calls Amid Spike in Complaints**
The UK’s data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has launched an investigation into a significant surge in complaints regarding “robo calls” instructing recipients to “add me on WhatsApp,” which are believed to be part of an elaborate recruitment scam.
The ICO confirmed it is actively looking into the spike in these unsolicited automated calls, which appear to be designed to trick individuals into engaging with scammers on the popular messaging platform. While the exact nature of the “recruitment scam” is under investigation, such schemes often involve requesting personal information, upfront payments for fake training or background checks, or using individuals unwittingly for illicit financial activities.
These types of calls, which are often pre-recorded messages, fall under the scope of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Under PECR, organisations are prohibited from making unsolicited marketing calls to individuals without their explicit consent. The ICO has the power to issue substantial fines to companies or individuals found to be in breach of these regulations.
An ICO spokesperson is expected to urge vigilance, advising the public never to give out personal details to unsolicited callers or engage with suspicious messages. They also encourage anyone who receives such calls to report them to the ICO, providing crucial intelligence for their investigations.
The rise in complaints highlights the evolving tactics of scammers, who constantly adapt their methods to exploit new technologies and communication channels. The investigation aims to identify those responsible and put a stop to these disruptive and potentially harmful fraudulent activities.
