A student nurse was contacted by someone claiming to be from the nursing regulator and asked for a payment of £1,400.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have issued a warning after reports of student nurses being targeted by scammers.
The scammers targeted a student nurse asking for an up-front payment of £1,400, as well as bank details and a copy of their passport, as part of their application to the join the NMC register and so they can qualify as a registered nurse.
Police have reportedly been informed and it is widely believed to be an isolated incident.
The NMC has since issued a statement warning students and other nursing staff to be aware of the scam and reminding them that the NMC would never ask for payment over the phone.
Universities and NHS England have also issued similar warnings to students.
Fraudulent calls.
Linda Everet, assistant director of registration and revalidation at the NMC clarified; “We are aware of a report about a fraudulent call being made by someone claiming to work for the Nursing and Midwifery Council, asking for payment and personal details to progress their registration.
“We will never contact someone and ask them to make a payment over the phone.
“If you receive a phone call requesting you to make a payment, please do not provide your personal or payment details.
“If you are unsure about whether the payment request is legitimate or you receive what you believe to be a fraudulent call, please contact us via our contact centre on 020 7637 7181.”
Incidents should also be reported to the Police and Action Fraud either via their website or on 0300 123 2040.