GP patients are being warned about a new scam as fraudsters pose as medical staff, claiming they are from the victim's GP surgery and need to update their medical records.
Patients have been threatened with beign struck off from GP practice lists if they fail to comply.
Patients are told to press a specific number on their phone's keypad or go online to update their personal details.
In other cases, the scammer attempt to sell health-related products or medical equipment.
A GP practice will only generally contact patients to remind them about an appointment or similar aspect of their care, or to let them know about any disruption of services at the practice. They will never ask for any financial details.
If you receive an unsolicited call claiming to be from a GP surgery and asking for details, please be cautious. Do not provide any details or press a number on your handset unless you are absolutely sure the call is genuine.
If you are at all unsure about any communication claiming to be from your GP practice, please hang up and contact the practice directly using their official phone number or email.
Do NOT call back the number which has just contacted you.
If you have a loved one or friend who you think may be vulnerable to fake calls of this nature, please share this information with them and help them know what to do.
To report a scam call, contact Police Scotland on 101.
Warning over scam phone call targeting GP patients
17 January 2025