Healthcare providers across South Africa are urging patients to be vigilant against a new scam that preys on their fears regarding their medical conditions .
Fraudsters are disseminating alarming messages that falsely relay test results and request explicit images related to patients' supposed medical issues.
The industry-wide issue appears to particularly target urology patients.
Life Healthcare privacy officer said patients are being targeted through fraudulent WhatsApp messages.
"These messages, which falsely claim to relay alarming test results, request that individuals send explicit photos to an email address that appears legitimate.
"We learned of this scam through a small number of patients, including some not admitted or treated by Life Healthcare, who contacted us due to misuse of our brand, and other healthcare providers. Our cyber-security and privacy teams promptly investigated and found no data breach at Life Healthcare. We advised the affected patients to report incidents to the police," said the officer.
The officer added that they have taken proactive measures by alerting all Life Healthcare doctors of this issue and advising them to inform any patients who may have been affected to report the incidents to police.
They urged all patients to remain vigilant and to not respond to WhatsApp messages requesting medical or personal information.
Lynne O’Connor, a spokesperson for Netcare, confirmed the unauthorised use of Netcare’s branding in the deceptive communications.
The fraudulent activity is being conducted through WhatsApp and SMS messages, falsely claiming to originate from healthcare professionals.
"The scam involves receiving a message purporting to be from a healthcare provider making alarming references to a family member’s medical test results. A request is also made to the recipient to share explicit images related to the purported medical condition,” said O’Connor.
She said Netcare would never disseminate sensitive test results in such a manner, nor would they request private or explicit images.
"We strongly urge the public to maintain vigilance and recognise that these communications do not stem from Netcare. We are deeply disturbed about the malicious intent of these messages and the distress that these false and unwarranted scam messages are causing unsuspecting members of the public,” said O'Connor.
She said Netcare was investigating the matter and advised affected individuals to report the matter to police and their network provider of the malicious communication received.
“It is only through concerted action that we can put an end to such malicious activity to protect others from harm and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” she said.
Mediclinic Southern Africa said they were aware of a current phishing message circulating via WhatsApp that refers to potential medical results and attempts to obtain a payment deposit for urgent surgery.
"We would like to warn the members of the public about this unfortunate phishing attempt and to encourage any patient who may be awaiting clinical results to consult their associated doctor for clarity around results.
"Mediclinic would not communicate confidential information via text. Any decisions regarding treatment are made in direct consultation between patient and doctor. We encourage the public to be aware of phishing activities circulating over the festive season and to use discernment before responding to unsolicited offers or communication via email, WhatsApp or text," said Mediclinic Southern Africa in a statement.