A scam alert has been issued over fraudsters phoning patients and pretending to be from a pharmacy.

The scammers claim to be ringing to arrange delivery of medication, and ask patients to confirm their full name, date of birth, address and some banking details.

According to Audit Yorkshire, which runs a counter fraud service for the Leeds Community Healthcare NHS trust, the calls have been reported nationally. The organisation has advised that vulnerable patients be made aware of the scam.

Gordon Hockey, director of legal at Community Pharmacy England (CPE), said he was ‘appalled’ that fraudsters are using vital access to medicines to scam the public.

‘Pharmacy teams should remain vigilant to this and any other potential scams,’ he said.

CPE also advised that such scams can be reported to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), emphasised that genuine pharmacy staff will never ask for sensitive information, such as banking details, when contacting a patient over the phone.

‘Patient safety and data security are paramount and it is crucial for patients to have caution when receiving unsolicited calls,’ said Professor Claire Anderson, RPS president.

‘Reporting any suspicious activity to the pharmacy and local authorities can contribute to safeguarding the community from potential harm.’

Audit Yorkshire has also advised patients to contact their pharmacy if such scam calls are received.

‘We advise that either a different phone is used, or to wait for at least 20 minutes before making any verification phone calls just in case the fraudster has jammed the line,’ a spokesperson said.

According to the Home Office, fraud has reduced by 13% compared to last year. A spokesperson for the department said the figure represents progress in the government’s commitment to blocking scams at source.

‘We are continuing to take robust action to protect the public from fraud and improve victim support,’ the spokesperson added.