Brits have been urged to "remain vigilant" over a common scam currently circulating that involves a caller trying to get people to add them on WhatsApp. The ruse involves a call or voicemail in which the recipient is asked to add the caller's number to the messaging platform, sometimes linked to a suggestion of an employment opportunity.
Scammers looking to make a quick buck from unsuspecting victims is nothing new, but with most people spending more time on their phones and online than ever, there are numerous ways for criminals to take advantage.
Recruitment scam link
It is thought that after moving to WhatsApp, which has end-to-end encryption and is harder to track, the scam often leads to "recruitment scams" in which victims are told of money-making opportunities and persuaded to transfer money while being promised fictional returns. The Sun, which reported on the proliferation of the scam, says it has seen repeated instances of these "add me" calls.
Networks urge caution
Mobile UK, the trade association for the UK's mobile network operators, told the newspaper: "While networks filter out vast numbers of threats daily, fraudsters constantly adapt their approaches to lure people onto third-party platforms."
"We urge consumers to remain vigilant, never share personal details, and report any suspected scam calls or texts by forwarding them free of charge to 7726 so networks can take immediate action."
How to report scams
Meta, which owns WhatsApp, has been approached for comment. Suspicious emails should be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk, and suspicious texts to 7726 (the text is free). Scam or misleading adverts should be reported to the Advertising Standards Authority, and also to Google if found in Google search results or to Bing if encountered in their search results. More information is available on the GOV.UK website.
