Scammers threaten to ‘remove people from practice lists’ in new phone fraud

A WARNING has been issued after reports of a new scam in which fraudsters pretend to be calling from the NHS, telling people they must “update their GP records” or risk being removed from their doctor’s patient list.

The automated calls appear to come from ordinary UK mobile numbers. Patients are told they must act immediately or face being struck off. Health officials have confirmed the calls are entirely fraudulent.

The NHS has stressed it will never phone patients to demand updates to their records, threaten removal from a GP list, or ask for personal or bank details.

Cybersecurity specialist Javvad Malik said the scam works because it plays on people’s trust and sense of urgency. “When you hear something about your GP records, it sounds official,” he said. “If you’re busy, you may react before you have the chance to think. Never share personal or payment details with an unsolicited caller.”

What to do if you receive one of these calls
• Do not respond to any of the instructions.
• Hang up straight away.
• Contact your GP practice using the number on its official website or your appointment letters.
• Never click on links or call any numbers given in a suspicious message.

If you have already engaged with the scam
• Tell your GP practice what happened so they can reassure you that no action is needed.
• If you disclosed bank information, contact your bank immediately.
• Change any passwords you reused and enable two-factor authentication.
• Report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
• Be cautious of any further suspicious calls, texts or emails.

Patients across the UK are being urged to stay alert and warn family members, particularly older or vulnerable people, who may be more likely to engage with an automated call.

THE COMMUNITY pub in Crymych has relaunched its weekly winter warm room scheme, offering local residents a full roast lunch for just £5 as part of the Cwtsh Cynnes initiative.

The project, based at the Crymych Arms, will run every Thursday afternoon through to the end of March 2026. It forms part of the Keep Warm Keep Well programme supported by PAVS and Pembrokeshire County Council, which funds warm, welcoming community spaces across the county during the colder months.

Staff, volunteers and committee members at the pub say the support has been vital in helping them continue a service that has proved hugely popular in previous years.

A spokesperson for the volunteer committee said: “We are so grateful to PAVS and the Keep Warm Keep Well team for providing the support funding to allow us to deliver the meals at a reduced cost for local people. It’s great that the community has a chance to come together on a Thursday afternoon, enjoy a warm space and share an affordable cooked meal.”

Alongside the weekly lunch, the Crymych Arms will also open on Thursday and Friday afternoons to encourage wider use of the space as a warm community hub.

Anyone wishing to attend the warm room lunch is asked to phone the pub on 01239 831435 before 12:00pm on Thursday to confirm numbers.

Further information about the community pub project can be found at crymycharms.cymru.

Cross-Party Group calls for new Human Rights Wales Act

A NEW report has warned that the Welsh Government’s failure to deliver on its own human rights commitments could have “serious consequences” for people across Wales.

The Cross-Party Group on Human Rights, chaired by Plaid Cymru MS Sioned Williams, published its findings on Wednesday (Nov 12) following an inquiry into the current state of human rights in Wales.

A decade of recommendations “not delivered”

The report notes that despite more than ten years of recommendations from the United Nations, Senedd committees, independent researchers and civil society groups, the Welsh Government has not fulfilled its Programme for Government pledge to incorporate key international human rights treaties into Welsh law.

Ms Williams described the findings as “both sobering and galvanising”, warning that human rights in Wales remain “promises rather than protections—aspirations rather than guarantees”.

The report recommends the introduction of a Human Rights Wales Act at the “earliest opportunity”.

Poverty, discrimination and barriers to services

In her statement ahead of a Senedd debate on Wednesday, Ms Williams said many people in Wales continue to face poverty, inadequate social security, and barriers accessing healthcare, housing, education and justice.

She added that discrimination is still denying rights to disabled people, women, racialised communities and children.

“The timing couldn’t be more crucial,” she said. “A powerful, coordinated anti-human-rights movement is growing in Wales and across the world, threatening to roll back our hard-won freedoms and rewrite the rules on whose rights, bodies and lives deserve protection. If we want a Wales that values dignity, equality and justice, we must fight for it.”

Amnesty backs call for new legislation

The report was produced by Professor Simon Hoffman of Swansea University and Glenn Page of Amnesty Cymru.

Glenn Page, Director of Amnesty International Cymru, said it was no longer enough for the Welsh Government to simply express support for human rights.

“The Welsh Government must protect human rights in law to ensure that now, and in the future, people’s everyday rights are protected and upheld,” he said.

“That’s why Amnesty International Cymru is calling for a Human Rights Wales Bill—because it’s the only way to ensure protections for people’s rights to education, health, housing and all the things we need to live with dignity and security.”

Thanks to contributors

Ms Williams thanked Professor Hoffman and Mr Page for their “longstanding dedication” to strengthening human rights in Wales.