What Happened?
A surge in automated phone calls asking people to add an unknown number on WhatsApp has prompted an investigation by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
The UK regulator reported 3,684 complaints about automated nuisance calls in September 2026, compared with 1,374 in July. Although these figures cover automated nuisance calls more broadly, authorities have raised concerns that some calls may be used to direct people towards fraudulent schemes, fake job offers or attempts to collect personal information.
The calls often feature a recorded voice asking the recipient to connect on WhatsApp, sometimes claiming to offer part-time employment. What may initially seem like an ordinary job enquiry could be the first step in a scam.
While the recent spike has been reported in the UK, similar fake recruitment and WhatsApp-based scams can target people in other countries too.
How the Scam Works
Scammers use automated calls or voicemails to reach large numbers of people. The recorded message may claim that a part-time job is available and ask the recipient to add a particular number on WhatsApp for further details.
Once the person makes contact, the scammer may pose as a recruiter, introduce a fake company or hiring manager, and send messages or links designed to make the opportunity appear legitimate.
The conversation may eventually lead to requests for personal information, identity documents, bank details or upfront payments for registration, training or onboarding.
In some cases, fake job offers can also be used to recruit people into money-mule schemes, where victims are persuaded to receive and transfer funds linked to criminal activity.
Even if no money is requested immediately, responding to unsolicited calls can help scammers identify active phone numbers and potential targets for future scams.
Warning Signs
- You receive an unexpected automated call or voicemail asking you to add a number on WhatsApp.
- The caller offers a part-time job without clearly identifying the employer, role or recruitment process.
- Someone claiming to be a recruiter moves the conversation to WhatsApp without providing independently verifiable company details.
- You are asked to pay registration fees, deposits or training charges to secure a job.
- The contact requests sensitive information, such as bank details, identity documents or WhatsApp verification codes.
- You are asked to receive money into your bank account and transfer it to someone else.
How to Stay Safe
If you receive an unexpected call asking you to connect on WhatsApp, do not rush to respond. Hang up if the call seems suspicious, and avoid adding the number simply to find out more about an unsolicited offer.
If someone claims to represent a legitimate employer, verify the company and vacancy independently using its official website and contact details. Do not rely on links, phone numbers or documents supplied by the person contacting you.
Never pay upfront fees to secure an unverified job, share WhatsApp verification codes, or allow anyone to link an unfamiliar device to your account.
If you receive a suspicious message or link on WhatsApp, avoid opening it, and block and report the account where appropriate.
Remember that an ordinary-looking phone number or a convincing conversation does not prove that a caller is genuine. Scammers can use misleading caller IDs and impersonate legitimate businesses.
Source
Original report: The Sun – Warning over sudden spike in ‘Add me to WhatsApp’ scam calls
Official source: UK Information Commissioner’s Office – Complaints about automated nuisance calls hit five-year high
