The NHS in Leeds is warning local people to beware of a new text scam that appears to use a genuine NHS appointment reminder number.
The warning from the Counter Fraud team at Audit Yorkshire follows several patients around the country reporting “smishing” texts.
Smishing is a form of fraud. They’re texts that look like they’re from a reputable organisation but they try to get you to do something. That could be calling a premium rate number or sharing confidential information.
In this case, the messages appear to come from 07860 054507, a genuine NHS appointment reminder number. However, the messages are not genuine and can link to extortionate premium rate lines.
One patient in Leeds received a text from the number, which said that she needed to “pay £115 to rebook an appointment by texting 30333 to cancel text 30333 to cancel text back opt out.”
The NHS would never require payment or ask you to provide personal details by responding to a text.
If you receive a suspicious text from this number, do not ring it back, reply or click on any links. If you need to check about an appointment, you should contact your practice in the usual way.
You should also report it to Action Fraud – www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime
This post is based on a press release issued by NHS Leeds