Overview
- The NHS warns that automated calls are impersonating GP receptionists or doctors and falsely threaten removal from practice lists unless records are "updated."
- The calls often appear to come from UK mobile numbers, but the health service states it will never request personal or financial information by phone.
- Patients are urged to hang up immediately and verify by calling their GP using the number on the practice website or appointment letters.
- Suspected scams should be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 in England and Wales or to Police Scotland.
- If information was shared, patients should notify their GP and bank, change any reused passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication, with experts noting scammers exploit authority, urgency and emotion.