We have been made aware of a scam targeting patients registered with GP practices. A patient reported receiving an SMS text message with a message claiming to be from their GP Practice. The message asked the patient to go online to download software to update their personal details, threatening that failure to do so could result in being removed from the practice list.
What You Should Do If You Receive Such a Message:
1. Stay Alert: Be cautious of any unsolicited calls, texts, or emails asking for your personal details.
2. We will never threaten to suspend or remove a patient by text message
3. Information we may share by text includes: advice leaflets or information about services (including links to those services), requests to provide feedback via a link, asking you to call the practice, asking you to update your smoking status or ethnicity via a link, asking you to submit a photograph of a condition via a link (we will only do this following an enquiry made by you relating to that condition) or to offer appointments via a booking link.
4. Be cautious of opening any links you are not sure of. Any messages sent by us will also show in your NHS app, so check your app for updates.
You can also report the messages as spam or junk to Action Fraud or Ofcom Links are listed below.
Report a phishing attempt | Action Fraud
How to report scam texts and mobile calls to 7726 – Ofcom
If you are unsure about any communication claiming to be from your GP practice, contact the practice directly using our official phone number or email.