What is happening
The caller says they are a doctor, GP or surgeon and uses your name so they seem genuine. They pressure you to buy gift cards, scratch off the codes, and send them by text or as a photo. Once they have the codes, they take the money. Victoria Police says the scam has mainly targeted Mandarin speakers in the state.
What it can look like
Hello, this is your doctor's office. I need you to buy some gift cards today and text me the codes. It is urgent.
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
Where AI comes in
Victoria Police says AI voice cloning has featured in several reports. In one case the caller copied the voice of a professional the person already knew.
The warning signs
- An unexpected call from someone saying they are a doctor or surgeon
- They ask you to buy gift cards, for example as a 'business gift' or for urgent medical needs
- They want you to scratch off the codes and send photos of them
- They push you to do several purchases quickly
What to do
- End the call if you think it is a scam
- Never give gift card codes or bank details over the phone
- Call the clinic yourself on a number you know is real
- Keep call records and screenshots of messages for the police
- In Australia, report it to ReportCyber or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Sources
- Fake doctor scam targeting Chinese community
Victoria Police · 2026-10-01
We summarise warnings published by the organisations above. If something here is wrong, tell us and we will correct it.