Trading Standards - GP and NHS Impersonation Scams

8th November 2025

There have been more reports from across Scotland of scam phone calls impersonating GP practices.

The caller or automated message asks you to press a button to update your details, threatening that if you fail to do this you will be removed from the GP's practice list.

GP surgeries and hospitals will never request personal information in this way and will never threaten patients with removal from practice lists in this way.

Some patients have also received scam text messages that state they will be removed from a waiting list unless they respond to the message.

How to Avoid
If in doubt about the legitimacy of a call or message about GP or NHS services, hang up, clear the line and call your GP practice or local health service using a publicly listed number.
Details of health and wellbeing services in Scotland, including GP practices, dental services and support groups can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory

Do not press 1 or follow any other instructions given in an automated message

Don't click on links in unexpected text messages or emails.

Find out More
General advice on avoiding phone scams (PDF): www.tsscot.co.uk/Phone-Scam-Information.pdf
NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/