Question – If I get a call from my bank, I am now suspicious as you hear so much about fraud. What is the advice if ‘my bank’ says it is calling me?
Answer – You are right to be suspicious as nearly 75 percent of attempted frauds are conducted via telephone, with 60 percent through voice calls and 11 percent via text messages.
The Safety Advice is:
If you receive a suspicious call about your bank account or finances, hang up immediately and dial 159. This free service, now available to 27 UK banks and building societies, covering over 99% of UK current accounts, connects you directly to your bank’s fraud team, helping protect you from financial scams.
Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to move money or share personal details quickly. Remember – your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a ‘safe account’ or pressure you into making immediate decisions.
If in doubt, always hang up and call 159 to verify whether the call was genuine. Since its launch in 2021, over one million calls have been made to 159 so taking a moment to check could save you from significant financial loss.
Question – I find it difficult to get an appointment at my GP surgery, sometimes having to wait two weeks or more? Is there anything I can do?
Answer – Yes, you may be able to if you have a community pharmacy.
Pharmacy First is an NHS England initiative launched in 2024. With Pharmacy First, you can walk into your local community pharmacy and ask for a private consultation with a pharmacist. They can assess symptoms, give advice, and in some cases provide NHS treatment — all without needing to see a GP first.
This is especially helpful for:
Older adults needing quick advice
Families with children who are unwell
Carers supporting relatives
There are over 10,000 participating pharmacies in England, meaning most local pharmacies can offer this service.
Just go in and ask: “Can I have a Pharmacy First consultation, please?”
Able Community Care is a Norfolk, family owned, Home Care provider which was established in 1980. We are often asked by our clients, carers and members of the public, questions across a wide range of care issues. Care information is often time consuming and difficult to access, so we are happy to share some of our questions and answers with you.
