UK Watchdog to Investigate 'Add Me to WhatsApp' Scam Robocalls

The UK's data protection watchdog is investigating a sharp rise in complaints about automated "robo calls" that ask recipients to add a contact on WhatsApp, a pattern that appears to be linked to a broader recruitment scam. The investigation follows a notable increase in reports from members of the public about the calls.

According to the complaints under review, the calls direct recipients to continue the conversation on WhatsApp, a tactic that allows scammers to move the interaction to a less easily traceable or regulated channel. From there, victims are reportedly drawn into fraudulent recruitment schemes, a scam format that has become increasingly common as fraudsters exploit messaging apps to build trust before attempting to extract money or personal information.

A Familiar Pattern With a New Twist

Recruitment scams delivered via messaging apps have proliferated in recent years, often beginning with an unsolicited message offering easy, well-paid work before escalating into requests for upfront payments or sensitive financial details. The use of robocalls to initiate contact, rather than a text message, appears to be a variation on this now-familiar scam structure.

The watchdog's investigation is expected to examine the scale of the complaints and the entities responsible for placing the calls, which often disguise their origin using spoofed numbers. Consumer protection officials have repeatedly urged the public to be wary of unsolicited calls or messages that push recipients toward a different communication platform, a common red flag across many scam formats.