The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which serves as the UK’s data protection regulator, has confirmed it is looking into a significant increase in reports regarding suspicious automated telephone calls. These calls, frequently referred to as 'robo calls,' are reportedly being used as a gateway to facilitate recruitment-based scams.

According to the reports, the process typically begins with an unsolicited phone call. The caller then encourages the recipient to move the conversation to the messaging platform WhatsApp. Once the communication has shifted to the encrypted app, the scammers attempt to solicit personal information or financial details under the guise of offering employment opportunities.

While the ICO has acknowledged the spike in complaints, the agency has not yet released specific data regarding the total number of victims or the financial losses associated with this particular wave of scams. The investigation aims to determine the origin of these calls and how the perpetrators are obtaining the contact information of the targeted individuals. Authorities are currently advising the public to remain cautious of unsolicited contact from unknown numbers and to avoid sharing sensitive personal data with unverified recruiters on messaging platforms.