Warning about new 'appointment reminder' text scam trying to con people in Leeds

The NHS in Leeds has issued a warning urging people to beware of a new text scam that appears to use a genuine appointment reminder number. (shutterstock)

The messages appear to come from 07860 054507, a genuine NHS appointment reminder number.

However, the messages are not genuine and can link to extortionate premium rate lines.

One patient in Leeds received a text from the number, which said that she needed to “pay £115 to rebook an appointment by texting 30333 to cancel text 30333 to cancel text back opt out.”

The NHS would never require payment or ask you to provide personal details by responding to a text.

If you receive a suspicious text from this number, do not ring it back, reply or click on any links.

If you need to check about an appointment, you should contact your practice in the usual way.

You should also report it to Action Fraud.

This type of scam is known as the 'smishing'.

They're texts that look like they're from a reputable organisation but they try to get you to do something such as call a premium rate number or share confidential information.

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