Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has issued a warning about a phone call scam targeting GP patients in a number of different areas.
The scam involves patients receiving a phone call with an automated message claiming to be from their GP practice.
The message instructs patients to update their personal details online, threatening removal from the practice list if they fail to comply.
The HSCP works closely in partnership with Scottish Care who have reported an increase in automated telephone scams of this nature nationally.
The phone call, reported by a patient, originated from the numbers 07448 046 976 and 07788 016 097, which have been identified as scam numbers. However, other mobile numbers may be used for similar scams.
An Argyll and Bute HSCP spokesperson said: “Health and Social Care (HSC) Services will never request patients to update personal information via automated recorded phone messages or direct them to online portals for this purpose.
“Patients are urged to contact their GP practice and HSC services directly to update their personal information.”
The HSCP is urging the public to stay alert against scams impersonating health and social care services and to contact their practice directly, using official contact details, if they are suspicious about any communication claiming to be from a GP practice.
They added: “All different types of scams and fraud incidents should be promptly reported to Police Scotland by calling 101.
“The Police Scotland website also offers online leaflets titled ’The Little Book of Phone Scams and The Little Leaflet of Cyber Advice’ designed to help individuals avoid becoming victims.”
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