UK scam guide · updated 27 September 2026

NHS scam texts

Scam texts use the NHS name to ask you to pay for a test kit or prescription, “confirm” your details for an appointment, or claim a refund, through a link. Genuine NHS App texts just tell you to open the app to read a secure message.

What it looks like

A fee for a test kit, prescription, vaccine or delivery
“Confirm your details” or “your NHS account will be suspended” with a link
A link that isn't nhs.uk
A mobile number as the sender rather than “NHSApp” or your GP surgery's name

What the real organisations say

“The text message is sent by 'NHSApp' and the text says: … You have received a new secure message from the NHS. Open the NHS App to read it.”
NHS England Digital
“Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to 7726.”
NHS Counter Fraud Authority

What our visitors report

No visitor has reported nhs or health scams on WhoCalledLookup yet. If you’ve had one, add it with the form below so the next person who checks it sees it.

What to do

1
Open the NHS App or call your GP yourself
Genuine NHS App messages can be read in the app or at nhs.uk; you don't need a link from a text.
2
Forward the text to 7726
Free on UK networks. You can report NHS-related fraud to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority on 0800 028 4060.
NHS Counter Fraud Authority: Reporting ↗
3
Paid or gave details?
Call your bank on 159, then report to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040), or Police Scotland on 101.
Report Fraud (replaced Action Fraud on 4 Dec 2025) ↗

Had one? Report it

Your report helps the next person who checks the same message, link or number. It’s published as a visitor report after our daily moderation.

What did you get?

Text or WhatsAppEmailWebsite or linkPhone call

Kind of scamPretending to beDate received

Sender number or name (optional)The messageAnything else? (optional)

Before saving we automatically remove names, phone numbers other than the scammer’s, email addresses, postcodes, street addresses, and card, sort-code and account numbers, and we keep only the host of any link. Please name only the organisation the scammer pretended to be; don’t accuse a real business or person. See our privacy notice.

This is a scam I received, and I’ve removed my own details.

NHS scam texts: FAQs

What does a real NHS App text look like?

NHS England Digital says it's sent by “NHSApp” and says you have received a new secure message from the NHS and to open the NHS App to read it. It doesn't ask for payment or details through a link.

Where do I report an NHS scam text?

Forward it to 7726. NHS-related fraud can also be reported to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority online or on 0800 028 4060.

Does the NHS charge for test kits or prescriptions by text?

A text asking you to pay a fee through a link should be treated as a scam. Check with your GP surgery or pharmacy directly.