Millions of Brits targeted by overseas criminal gangs in WhatsApp robo-call scam as complaints TRIPLE in three months

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026 · last updated 10 October 2026.

Criminal gangs thought to be operating from outside the UK are flooding millions of Britons with robo-calls offering fictitious part-time jobs, then directing victims to contact them on WhatsApp — with complaints to the data watchdog reaching their highest point in five years. The Information Commissioner's Office logged 3,684 complaints in September alone, up from just 1,374 in July, and its head of criminal investigations Andy Curry says the true scale almost certainly dwarfs what has been reported.

Curry warns the calls can lead to money-muling recruitment scams, phishing attacks or the sale of victims' personal data on the dark web.

Ofcom's Will Pinkney says the fraudsters are probably operating from overseas and are spoofing UK mobile numbers to appear legitimate to unsuspecting Britons.

Anyone who receives a suspicious automated call is urged to hang up immediately, avoid calling back, and report it to the ICO online or by texting 7726.