ICO News & Analysis

ICO Investigates 3,600 Complaints of WhatsApp Robo Calls

The Information Commission's Office (ICO) in the UK is investigating an uptick in complaints about robo calls where users are urged to add the callers on WhatsApp. In September, the ICO received over 3,600 complaints about these automated calls, marking a five-year high and nearly a threefold increase compared to July. The ICO suspects that millions of individuals might be affected by these potential recruitment scams whereby people are asked to engage with fake job listings or phishing exercises. Simon Fell from the Communications Crime Strategy Group highlighted that these calls might involve diverting criminal funds through recipients' accounts or collecting information that could be sold on the dark web. He noted that the true extent of the scam remains unclear as the messages have not been followed up on directly. Andy Curry, ICO's head of criminal investigations, reported the calls might be originating from abroad and stressed that the number of complaints is likely just a fraction of the total number affected. Fell mentioned that telecom companies are working on several measures to mitigate these calls, including collaborating with the regulator Ofcom and working with Meta, the owner of WhatsApp. This matter is significant for investors and tech companies as it highlights the demand for better communication security measures. It also stresses the potential risks of personal data being misused in fraudulent activities, which could impact public trust in digital communication platforms.