A CON-ARTIST pretended to be a doctor at a GP’s office in a bid to get bank details from patients.

The scammer told vulnerable patients that they would need to hand over the bank details if they wanted to get their prescriptions under current Covid-19 regulations.

Patients registered at Jamieson Medical Practice in Moodiesburn and Muirhead were contacted by the bogus caller.

NHS Lanarkshire confirmed they were aware of the scam and urged patients not to hand over bank details.

Evelyn Ryan, service manager for north locality, Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “We have been made aware of a report of a telephone scam involving an individual pretending to be a doctor, asking local residents for their bank details to pay for a prescription under Covid-19 regulations.

“I can confirm that no staff from Jamieson Medical Practice would ask local residents for their bank details. Patients of Jamieson Medical Practice who are registered with its text messaging service have been alerted to this scam. Information has also been placed on the practice website.

“We would ask anyone who is contacted to call the police on 101. Further details on protecting yourself from scams and reporting scams can be found on the Citizens Advice Scotland website.”