GP practice scam warning as patients targeted by fake callers
Patients at GP practices across Scotland have been targeted by fraudsters posing as medical staff in a new phone scam.
Fraudulent calls have been reported across the country, with callers and automated messages claiming they are from the victim's GP surgery and need to update their medical records.
Patients have been threatened with removal from practice lists if they fail to comply. A number of doctor surgeries and hospitals have advised that they would never request personal information in this way and urged patients to remain vigilant.
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It is understood the calls originate from generic mobile numbers since identified as scam numbers and scammers do not provide the name of any specific surgery or staff member.
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Patients are told to press a specific number on their phone's keypad or go online to update their personal details, with others reportedly being asked to purchase medical equipment.
If they do nothing, a message threatens them that they will be removed as a patient from the practice list if they do not provide the information. It is believed scammers are trying to obtain sensitive details such as personal and medical information, or bank details.
Local authorities have asked patients call their surgery on its official phone number if in doubt, and report suspicious phone calls to Police Scotland on 101.
A statement from South Ayrshire Council read: "We've been made aware of a scam targeting patients registered with local GP practices. A patient reported receiving a phone call with an automated message claiming to be from their GP Practice. The message asked the patient to go online to update their personal details, threatening that failure to do so could result in being removed from the practice list.
"The call originated from the number 07448 046 976 / 07788 016 097, which has been identified as scam numbers, however, please be aware that other mobile numbers may also be used."
While, Scottish Care posted: "GP Patients have reported scam calls asking them to update personal details online, threatening removal from practice lists. The calls come from numbers like 07448 046 976 & 07788 016 097, but others may be used."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “If anybody is suspicious of a phone call claiming to be from their GP, they should hang up and call the practice back on its published phone number.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Care said: "Scottish Care is deeply concerned about the rise of scams targeting GP patients. These scams exploit trust and create unnecessary anxiety by threatening individuals with removal from GP practice lists unless they share personal details. Such malicious activity is unacceptable and poses a significant risk to vulnerable individuals.
We were made aware of this issue through one of our Independent Sector Leads, who was informed by a local GP Lead. While we have not been directly advised by NHS Scotland or received cases ourselves, we are taking proactive steps to ensure this information is widely shared and acted upon.
As many individuals who rely on care and support see their care staff as their main point of contact, Scottish Care emphasises the critical role of the workforce in identifying and sharing information about potential scams and threats.
We urge all care providers and individuals to stay vigilant and take precautions by verifying claims by contacting their GP Practices using official contact details to confirm the legitimacy of any request, and to report any scam calls to Police Scotland.
The safety and wellbeing of individuals in our communities is our highest priority. We encourage everyone to spread awareness of these scams and support those who may be targeted. By working together, we can reduce the risk and protect those who rely on our care.
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