A TOWN centre doctors’ surgery has warned patients to be on their guard against a “dreadful scam,” which could see them shelling out thousands of pounds for health “supplements.”

Coleford Health Centre put out the alert at the weekend about a fake doctor masquerading as a local GP phoning elderly and vulnerable patients.

A post on its Facebook page says the scam involves trying to sell victims health supplements at sky-high prices by soliciting their bank details.

Bridget Docking, practice manager at the Railway Drive surgery, said: “An elderly patient had a call, which sounded authentic, saying they were a doctor from our health centre enquiaring about their general health and health problems and saying they had supplements to help.

“Luckily the patient had the sense to put the phone down and called us.

“It’s absolutely appalling. These people are preying on the vulnerable and the elderly who put so much trust in their doctor and are abusing that trust.

“It’s a dreadful scam, and everyone’s vulnerable. We’d urge people to put the phone down and call the police’s Action Fraud line.”

The health centre’s online alert says: “A bogus doctor is phoning patients saying that they are from our surgery asking about your ‘general health’ and possibly trying to sell supplements at extortionate costs.

“Please warn your parents and grandparents and anyone else that could fall victim to this dreadful scam.

“No doctor, clinician or member of our staff would request this information from you, so please do not give out your bank details or health problems to anyone who says they are a doctor, clinician or member of our staff.”

It said the scammers seemed to be “targeting the elderly and vulnerable,” but warned all patients to be aware.

The number, 01540 269866, is an area code in the Scottish Highlands, but it was ‘unavailable’ when the surgery tried to call back.

The health centre warned that the scammers may be using other phone numbers, but 01540 269 866 has been reported online as being used to scam an elderly woman out of £5,500, via monthly payments of £500.

Her son said: “These guys ripped my mum off for £5,500 and still not content with having done that they rang again today, some guy calling himself Richard Williams.

“Just be warned, they are con artists who pedal supplements that are no good and happily take £500 a month off elderly people.”

A person who received persistent calls said the caller claimed to be from his “health centre, selling alternative health care,” while another warned: “He said he was calling from a health centre and was enquring about my health. He would not give specifics or any details so I hung up.”

The practice has reassured patients that their details haven’t come from their data system, as it is N3 protected, and the scammers are possibly obtaining information from the electoral roll or phone directories.

A Gloucestershire Police spokeswoman said: “We urge anyone who is concerned about any phone calls that they receive to get in touch with us on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”