We want to make all patients aware of a scam following an alert issued by Norfolk County Council regarding cold callers impersonating GP surgeries and other healthcare professionals.
What is happening?
Scammers are telephoning members of the public claiming to be doctors, senior health advisors or NHS staff. During these calls they may:
- Ask questions about your health or medical history
- Attempt to sell medication, medical devices or smart watches
- Ask for bank or card details
- Request personal information such as your address, date of birth or NHS number
- Pressure you to act quickly
- Claim your records need updating
- Threaten that you could be removed from a patient list if you do not cooperate
At this time, we have no information to suggest any School Lane Surgery patients have been affected. However, we want to be absolutely clear about how we would contact you.
School Lane Surgery will NEVER:
- Cold call you to sell medication, medical devices or other products
- Ask for your bank or card details over the phone, unless it is for pre-agreed private work (such as Travel vaccinations, firearms licence etc)
- Threaten to remove you from our patient list for refusing to provide information
- Pressure you into making a quick decision or immediate payment
If you ever receive a call claiming to be from us and you are unsure, please hang up and contact us directly using the number on our website. All of our team will always be more than happy with this and we would rather you did this if you are unsure to keep patients safe.
What should you do if you receive one of these calls?
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not give out any personal, medical or financial information.
- Do not call back any number provided by the caller.
- Contact us directly to verify any communication you are unsure about.
- Report the incident to:
- Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
- Or online via Action Fraud
- If you have shared bank details, contact your bank immediately.
You can also report concerns about cold callers in Norfolk via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133, or contact Norfolk Police on 101. If you feel threatened or in immediate danger, always call 999.
These scammers are attempting to steal personal information and money by exploiting people’s trust in the NHS. We know this can feel worrying or upsetting, particularly when callers present themselves as healthcare professionals.
Please remember: if something does not feel right, hang up and contact us directly. We would always rather you checked with us first.
Keeping our patients safe is always our highest priority.