Robo call complaints triple as ICO investigates scams
The UK's data watchdog is urging the public to report nuisance automated calls, which have reached a five-year high.
Complaints about automated nuisance calls, often referred to as 'robo calls', have surged in recent months, reaching the highest point in five years, the UK's data watchdog has warned. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is investigating the increase and is asking the public to report any such calls they receive.
Record complaint levels
The number of complaints has almost tripled over a three-month period. In July, the ICO recorded 1,374 complaints. This figure rose to 2,178 in August and then climbed significantly to 3,684 in September, according to data from the ICO.
Andy Curry, head of investigations at the ICO, stated that the current figures are likely only a fraction of the total number of incidents, describing them as the 'tip of the iceberg'. He indicated that many people simply hang up and do not report these calls, suggesting that millions may be affected.
Scam risks
Automated and AI-enabled marketing calls can use artificial voices to deceive individuals into joining messaging groups, sharing personal details, or participating in fraudulent schemes. Some of these calls have been reported to impersonate recruiters offering flexible or part-time work, which can lead to recruitment scams.
Mr Curry told the BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme that these calls are not merely annoying but can cause significant distress and are designed to manipulate people. He suspects the calls originate from abroad and the ICO is working to identify any UK connections to enable regulatory action.
Public urged to report
The ICO is urging anyone receiving suspicious automated calls to report them using the organisation's online reporting tool. This action helps the regulator gather information and investigate the source of these nuisance communications.
Questions this report answers
01How many complaints about robo calls has the ICO received?
In September, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) received 3,684 complaints about automated 'robo calls'. This represents a significant increase from July, when 1,374 complaints were logged, and August, with 2,178 complaints.
02What are the risks associated with these robo calls?
These automated calls can impersonate recruiters offering work opportunities that lead to scams. They are designed to manipulate people into sharing personal information or money, and can cause real distress to those who receive them.
03What is the ICO doing about the rise in robo calls?
The ICO is investigating the increase in automated nuisance calls and is urging the public to report any suspicious calls they receive. They are trying to identify the origin of these calls to take enforcement action.
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