UK spam calls and messages surge with WhatsApp and callback scams

People in the UK are reporting a sudden increase in spam calls and messages, although the cause remains unclear, according to TechRadar reporter Benedict Collins.

Several campaigns appear to follow similar scripts. Automated callers ask targets to add a number on WhatsApp, which can bypass spam filtering and make it easier to send malicious files or links. Some WhatsApp campaigns are task scams that promise payment for testing services or apps before attempting to steal financial information.

Other callers impersonate mobile networks or internet providers. Some ask yes-or-no questions and may record a person saying “yes” for possible attempts to deceive voice-recognition systems used by banks and financial services. Scam voicemails can also prompt callbacks, while legitimate Voice-over-IP (VoIP) services may make an international call appear to come from a local number.

Collins says the increase may not be linked to a new data breach. Hackers can combine information from separate breaches into a single file, and older email addresses and phone numbers may still be active.

The report also describes call-screening features. On iPhone, call screening is available on iPhone 11 and above running iOS 26 or later. Android offers basic, medium, and maximum protection levels for unknown or suspicious calls.