We were recently alerted to a potential scam regarding a subscription renewal request, in this instance the potential victim did the right thing and contacted recognised organisations to check the validity of the request.
It is of course a growing problem across all of our daily activities, whether someone is trying to access our personal details or persuading us to transfer money from our accounts. Medical scams are perhaps the cruellest of all. Often unsolicited emails, letters or even telephone calls offering an array of ‘medical cures’ which sound too good to be true, which they usually are. According to the National Fraud Cyber Reporting Centre, the list of issues includes fake online pharmacies, and many products that are ‘cures’ for conditions such as for acne, HIV, arthritis, baldness, cancer, impotence and weight loss.
So, what should you do if you get a request or offer of a product that sounds too good to be true?
The Action Fraud line says:
“Always talk to your GP or local pharmacist first. They’ll be able to tell you whether the product is safe and effective. If you’re managing a health condition, never stop taking a prescribed medicine, or start taking a new medicine, without speaking to your GP or pharmacist first.”
But if you have been a victim of health or medical fraud, always report it to Action Fraud. They also advise the following:
“Keep all evidence of your purchase, including the goods you bought and any correspondence.
If you’ve already made a payment, contact your credit card company and/or bank and tell them that you may have fallen victim to a fraud. They’ll advise you on cancelling payments and ensuring your finances remain secure.
If you’ve already taken any medical products you are worried about, you should always visit your GP.”
To learn more about the problems and how to deal with any type of fraud, including medical fraud, visit the Action Fraud website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call them on 0300 123 2040.