UK regulator warns millions about surge in automated scam calls
The Information Commissioner’s Office reports a sharp rise in complaints about robo calls, with figures hitting the highest level in five years.
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office has flagged a dramatic increase in robo-call complaints, with numbers climbing from 1,374 in July to 3,684 in September - the highest volume in five years. These automated, AI-driven calls frequently try to trick recipients into joining WhatsApp groups, sharing personal details, or falling for recruitment scams. Andy Curry, who leads investigations at the ICO, described the trend as “deeply concerning” and suggested the reported cases are only the tip of the iceberg, as many people simply hang up without filing a complaint.
He indicated that most calls appear to originate from abroad, and the ICO is seeking any UK links to enable enforcement. The agency is urging anyone receiving such calls to report them via its online reporting system.
Why it matters
Rising robo-call scams threaten personal data security and can financially harm large numbers of people.
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