NHS Scam Alert: Protect yourself from fraudulent calls
- Healthwatch Wokingham
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Fraudsters are impersonating the NHS (claiming to be your GP surgery receptionist/care navigator or a doctor) and targeting patients with phone calls claiming that they must update their GP records or risk being removed from their GP surgery list.
These calls are fake and are designed to steal personal information.
How the scam works
People receive automated calls warning that their GP records are out of date and urging immediate action. The fraudsters may try to:
Pressure you into providing personal details
Ask for bank information
Create panic by threatening removal from your GP list
How can you protect yourself
The NHS will never:
Call you to demand updates to your records
Threaten to remove you from a GP list
Ask for personal or bank details over the phone
If you receive a suspicious call:
Hang up immediately. Do not follow any instructions from the caller.
Contact your GP practice directly and confirm any information safely.
Report it to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority: https://cfa.nhs.uk/report-fraud or call the freephone number: 0800 028 4060 (available 24/7). They handle every report confidentially, with anonymous options available.
Why awareness matters
Healthcare scams are increasingly sophisticated, and fraudsters rely on fear and urgency to trick people. Being aware of these tactics helps protect your personal data and keeps your finances safe.
Please share this information with friends and family.
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