Please find below details of a recent alert issued on behalf of Action Fraud regarding a remote access scam reported by organisations across the UK. While there are no reports of this being carried out locally, organisations in Northern Ireland are as exposed as any other to this type of incident.
Details
Action Fraud has received 31 crime reports since June 2023 relating to remote access scams targeting businesses. Victims have reported losses totalling over £3.8M. Based on analysis of crime reports by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, it is advised that scammers will generally use the following tactic to target businesses:
Contact the victim claiming to be a representative from their bank or from a financial services vendor used by the victim’s business.
Convince the victim to install a piece of software that enables remote access to their computer, claiming that it’s required to install an important software update.
At some point during the call, the victim is instructed to login to their online banking account. Once the victim has done this, the remote access software is used to blur the victim’s screen whilst the scammer makes fraudulent transactions from the victim’s account without their knowledge.
The victim is also asked to read out a series of numbers the scammer claims they have sent to the victim’s mobile. In reality, the numbers are a one-time verification code from the victim’s bank which, if shared with the scammer, will allow them to transfer money out of the victim’s bank account.
Some victims reported a slightly different account of how the scam was perpetrated. However, the goal of the scammers usually remains the same – to convince victims to login to their online banking account whilst the scammer has remote access to their computer.
How to protect your business from remote access scams
Your bank will never ask you to grant them remote access to your computer or smartphone. Never install any remote access software on your device as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message.
The one-time verification codes sent to you by your bank to authorise transactions on your account should never be shared with anyone, not even bank employees.
If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s guidance on recovering an infected device – https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/hacked-device-action-to-take.
Received a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from your bank? Hang up, wait a few minutes, then call your bank using the contact number on the back of your debit card, or use the contact information on their official website or app. If your business has fallen victim to fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber attack (in progress), please call 0300 123 2040 immediately.
Action
Contractors are asked to:
Alert their pharmacy teams to the remote access scams which are currently being detected and ensure all team members know how to protect your business.
Further information can be accessed via the links on the Cyber Protect webpage HERE.
Kind regards
Mike
SENT ON BEHALF OF PROF MIKE MAWHINNEY Head of Regulatory Affairs
Dear Contractor,
Community pharmacy contractors providing the Living Well service are required to complete and submit an evaluation survey at the end of each campaign. SPPG have advised CPNI that there are a number of contractors who have not yet submitted responses to recent Living Well surveys. In the event that a survey is not completed, SPPG may seek to recover all, or part of, the associated funding via an adjustment to the pharmacy’s BSO payment account. The surveys below remain open for submission and contractors who have not yet submitted a return are asked to do so as soon as possible to avoid recovery of service funding.
SUMMARY
Live Longer and Stronger – Survey was due to close on 21 August 2023 but is open for final submissions.
Look After Your Eyes – Survey was due to close on 21 August 2023 but is open for final submissions.
Contractors who provide the Living Well service should note the surveys listed above and ensure that responses have been submitted.
Contractors are reminded to ensure they include the contractor number for the pharmacy when completing their survey.
Please contact CPNI offices should you have any queries.
Kind regards,
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
The Department of Health NI has issued two letters (here and here) both dated 21 August 2023 in relation to two serious shortage protocols (SSPs):
Effective from 21 August 2023, SSP057 provides that for every Estradot® (estradiol hemihydrate) 100 micrograms / 24 hours patch that is originally prescribed, one Evorel® 100 micrograms / 24 hours patch OR Estraderm MX® 100 micrograms / 24 hours patch can be supplied. This SSP is due to expire on Friday 8 September 2023.
Effective from 21 August 2023,SSP058provides thatfor every Jext® 300mcg / 0.3ml solution for injection auto-injector pen originally prescribed, one EpiPen® 300mcg / 0.3ml solution for injection auto-injector pen can be supplied. It is important that the patient / carer / guardian understands how to administer an Epipen® 300mcg / 0.3ml solution for injection auto-injector pen when making a supply under this SSP.This SSP is due to expire on Friday 15 September 2023.
CORRECTION
CPNI has been in discussions with SPPG colleagues and it has been agreed that the wording in the covering letters and in the SSPs with regards to notifying the prescriber is incorrect. It should reflect the agreed guidance which states:
“Where a therapeutic equivalent is supplied (or where it is required within the terms of the specific SSP), a pharmacist will need to inform the patient’s prescriber. There is no time limit in legislation but, where it is practicable, pharmacists should aim to forward details within 3 working days. A form which can be used to notify prescribers is attached at Annex 2 of this guidance but pharmacists may consider other methods of notification to be appropriate”.
BACKGROUND
SSPs made under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 are an additional tool to manage and mitigate medicines shortages.
SSPs enable community pharmacists to supply specified medicines in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription, without needing to seek authorisation from the prescriber – saving time for patients, pharmacists and prescribers.
Pharmacists should refer to the latest versions of the existing SSPs which are now available on the Business Services Organisation dedicated page on its website HERE.
Operational guidance on the implementation of SSPs in Northern Ireland can be found on the BSO website HERE.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Review the letters (here and here) dated 21 August 2023 and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the specific details relating to each SSP;
Note confirmation above in respect of notifying prescribers;
Note guidance relating to the decision pathways for SSPs; notification of GPs; the need for patient/carer agreement, and action to take when this is not given; professional judgement; and actions regarding unclear quantities.
Contractors should contact their local SPPG office in the first instance should further information be required. CPNI colleagues are also available for assistance.
Kind regards
Mike
SENT ON BEHALF OF PROF MIKE MAWHINNEY Head of Regulatory Affairs
This update contains important information for community pharmacy teams.
Concessionary prices will be paid against the usual code, no additional endorsements are needed.
Please continue to notify CPNI of any pricing issues you are experiencing via our new Medicine Shortage Reporter.
Concessionary prices are also published on the CPNI website.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence here dated 25 August 2023 in relation to the serious shortage protocol SSP052 Progynova® TS 100 microgram patches.
The correspondence states:
“Because of an improvement in the supply situation, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is withdrawing the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP052) currently in place for Progynova® TS 100mg patches, which is due to end on Friday 8 September.
The end date will now be today, Friday 25 August. Community pharmacies should ensure that supplies are not made under this SSP after this date.”
ACTION
Contractors should:
Note the correspondence dated 25 August 2023 and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the withdrawal of SSP052.
Contractors should contact their local SPPG office in the first instance should further information be required. CPNI colleagues are also available for assistance.
Kind regards
Mike
SENT ON BEHALF OF PROF MIKE MAWHINNEY Head of Regulatory Affairs
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