Urgent warning issued over ’convincing’ fake NHS dentist website that ’steals personal details and money’
Do you know how to spot a dodgy site from the real deal? Find out below
A "CONVINCING" fake NHS dentist website is stealing people’s personal details and money, officials have warned.
The scam site uses the health service’s logo and branding but has no affiliation with it.
A fake NHS dentist website is claiming to offer appointments across the UK
But it is not affiliated with the NHS and ’you’ll have your details and money stolen’, a dentist has warned
It promises to "find and book appointments with local providers" across the UK if users pay upfront for slots.
However, it could leave users out of pocket and at risk of fraud.
An NHS England spokesperson said: "This website is a scam.
"Patients will never be asked for money upfront before booking an NHS dental appointment, and people can find an official NHS dentist using our website."
A dentist, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "This isn’t a real NHS website, you won’t get a real appointment, and practices aren’t affiliated with it.
"You’ll have your details and money stolen."
The website, nhs-dentist.co.uk, claims to have booked 35,000 appointments through its "extensive national network of dentists".
It first asks users to complete a form detailing whether they need a check-up, hygiene clean or emergency appointment, if they want it through the NHS or privately, and where in the UK they are based.
A calendar of dates and times then appears, with slots available in the coming days.
Users are then told to provide their personal details, including their full name, date of birth, postcode, email address and phone number, before making payment.
The dodgy website states that NHS appointments cost £35, and private ones are £120.
"All sales are final and no refund will be issued," nhs-dentist.co.uk, which has no phone number and is registered to an address in North West London, says.
However, NHS practices are forbidden from taking any upfront payments and dental appointments are divided into three charge bands:
- Band 1: £26.80
- Band 2: £73.50
- Band 3: £319.10
An urgent appointment costs £26.80.
A spokesperson for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said: "Our attention has been brought to a concern relating to a scam dental appointment booking website.
"We understand that some patients seeking NHS dental care have booked and paid for appointments via this website and have been allocated what they have been told is an NHS dental appointment at a local dental practice.
"Please be aware that NHS dentists will never ask you for advanced online payments on dental work.
"If you think you may have been affected, please contact your bank for urgent advice and support."
A spokesperson for Healthwatch Trafford, a health and social care champion in the area, added: "Don’t get caught out.
"Patients may have seen a website advertising NHS dental services, using a logo very similar to the NHS logo and offering urgent treatment.
"While the webpage may look convincing, please be aware that this is a scam and not a genuine service.
"Do not use this website to try and access NHS dental care."
For more advice, visit the National Cyber Security Centre website or contact Action Fraud.
Politics Editor
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