ICO warns automated nuisance call complaints tripled over last 3 months

The Information Commission (ICO) has revealed that complaints about automated nuisance calls nearly tripled within three months, reaching their highest volume since 2021.

Public complaints submitted to the regulator rose from 1,374 in July to 2,178 in August, an increase of 58%, before climbing a further 69% to 3,684 in September. The ICO also cautioned that the recorded figures represent only the tip of the iceberg, as widespread underreporting likely makes the true scale of automated nuisance calls considerably higher. The increase comes amid escalating concern regarding automated and artificial intelligence (AI) enabled marketing calls (aka robo calls), as well as communications designed to lure recipients into joining WhatsApp groups, sharing personal data, or engaging with fraudulent schemes.

The ICO is actively investigating the issue and urges individuals to continue submitting complaints. Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, described the sharp rise as deeply concerning, warning that such calls cause real distress and often aim to manipulate people into handing over funds or personal information. 

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