Patients in Scotland are warned about a phone scam from fraudsters posing as GP staff
Scotland: There’s a new scam going around, and it’s targeting patients at GP practices. Fraudsters are calling people, pretending to be from their doctor’s office.
These scammers are using automated messages, saying they need to update your medical records. It’s pretty alarming, right? They even threaten to kick you off the patient list if you don’t comply.
Many surgeries have made it clear they would never ask for personal info like this. They’re urging everyone to stay alert and not fall for these tricks.
The calls are coming from random mobile numbers that have been flagged as scams. The callers don’t mention any specific surgery or staff member, which is a huge red flag.
Patients are being told to press a number or go online to update their details. Some have even been asked to buy medical equipment. It’s all a ploy to get sensitive information, like your personal or bank details.
If you get one of these calls, the best thing to do is hang up and call your GP directly using their official number. Local authorities are also advising people to report any suspicious calls to Police Scotland.
South Ayrshire Council has issued a warning about this scam, mentioning specific numbers that have been used. They’re urging everyone to be cautious and aware.
Scottish Care has also chimed in, confirming that patients have reported these scam calls. They’re coming from numbers like 07448 046 976 and 07788 016 097, but there could be others.
A spokesperson from the Scottish Government advised anyone who feels uneasy about a call to hang up and reach out to their GP directly. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Stay informed and keep an eye out for these scams. Don’t let fraudsters take advantage of you!
