Scam email asked breast screening patient for ‘images of themself’

NHS Western Isles said it took patient confidentiality and information security “extremely seriously” after a patient received a scam email.

A Scottish health board has confirmed that a patient was targeted with a scam email asking for photos and videos of themself following a breast screening appointment.

NHS Western Isles said that the fraudulent email claimed to be from a health professional and that it was requesting the images “for assessment”.

The health board said that it was reviewing the incident and that it took patient confidentiality and information security “extremely seriously”, reports BBC Scotland.

According to NHS Western Isles, the scam email originated from a non-NHS email address. The health board has now urged other patients to be alert to similar emails.

A spokesperson for the health board said: “NHS Western Isles would like to reassure the public that breast screening services do not contact patients using personal or non-NHS email addresses.

“Patients may be contacted by letter or telephone regarding breast screening appointments, results, or follow-up arrangements, but NHS staff would never ask patients to send photographs or videos by email.

“If you believe you have shared personal information or images in response to a scam, you should contact Police Scotland on 101 and seek appropriate support and advice.”

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