News / Prescription fraudster phone scams pensioner
FOLK in Shetland are being warned about phone scammers who use a call about medication to find out their bank details.
NHS Shetland has confirmed that an elderly lady was duped into giving her details to a man who called her on Wednesday night to tell her to stop some of her prescriptions.
The scammer then told her that he would provide an alternative herbal medicine and asked for her bank details.
The woman agreed to his request and the man removed funds from the woman’s bank account before the police and trading standards were informed.
The local NHS has told staff to make sure people are alerted to the scam and to be aware of any suspicious calls.
If they think they receive phone correspondence of this kind, patients are encouraged to end the call and contact their health centre.
Local charity Yell Health Support Group meanwhile posted on Facebook that the woman had lost £270 as a result of the scam.
Reports locally suggest that the calls have been going on in Shetland for at least two weeks.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.