The UK's data watchdog is investigating a surge in complaints about spam 'robot calls' where a recorded voice asks you to add them on WhatsApp.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said the number of complaints about automated nuisance calls had almost tripled in just three months, reaching its highest level since 2021.
Complaints from the general public to the data protection regulator rose from 1,374 in July to 2,178 in August, an increase of 58 per cent, before climbing a further 69 per cent to 3,684 in September.
Experts warn these calls could lead to a recruitment scam, as the automated calls typically come from a UK mobile number, with some offering part-time work or tricking people into joining WhatsApp groups.
Andy Curry, the ICO's head of criminal investigations, said he believed the reported figures were just a small proportion of the issue.
He called on people to report any suspicious automated calls to the ICO so they can take enforcement action.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said the number of complaints about automated nuisance calls had almost tripled in just three months, reaching its highest level since 2021.
Complaints from the general public to the data protection regulator rose from 1,374 in July to 2,178 in August, an increase of 58 per cent, before climbing a further 69 per cent to 3,684 in September.
Experts warn these calls could lead to a recruitment scam, as the automated calls typically come from a UK mobile number, with some offering part-time work or tricking people into joining WhatsApp groups.
Andy Curry, the ICO's head of criminal investigations, said he believed the reported figures were just a small proportion of the issue.
He called on people to report any suspicious automated calls to the ICO so they can take enforcement action.