Health. Doctolib promises you a money refund: beware, scams are on the rise.
If you've recently received an email or text message from Doctolib, be wary. Users of the medical software publisher have been targeted by numerous scam attempts recently, Doctolib warned in a press release .
"Beware of alarming messages! If a message suggests an emergency (imminent deletion of your account, payment to be made or penalty), it's probably a phishing attempt," warns Doctolib. The number of reports received by the company at its dedicated email address ([email protected]) has seen a significant increase since May.
More than 1,000 reports were received in May and nearly 900 in June, according to a graph the company sent us. This is significantly higher than in previous years: between June and August 2024, Doctolib received fewer than 900 reports.
The number of reports received in recent months via Doctolib's dedicated email address has never been higher. Doctolib infographic
The most common scam involves a fake message claiming to be eligible for a refund. "Following a billing review of your recent consultations, we have identified an overcharge on the payment method you used," it states.
The message uses Doctolib's signature style: blue and white graphics and the same font, making it particularly credible. It invites the user to confirm their bank details via a "secure form" to finalize the refund.
The most common scam involves pretending to be getting a refund. Photo Doctolib
Other patients have also received a text message inviting them to confirm or reschedule a medical appointment. On the website, which mimics the official website, users are then asked to enter their contact information and login details. This is also a phishing attempt.
This is cause for concern for the service, which has nearly 50 million patients in France. Doctolib therefore recommends that its users carefully verify the authenticity of the message received. Authentic SMS messages should display "Doctolib" as the sender. They will never come from a personal number.
By email, Doctolib messages regarding scheduled appointments are sent from the address [email protected]. Other marketing emails may be received from the following addresses: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]. On Gmail and Yahoo, these emails are marked with a blue verification badge. Any other sender should not be taken seriously, especially if the email has ended up in your spam folder.
In the event of a suspicious message, you should definitely not click on a link, but report and delete the message. If in doubt, it may be wise to change your password. Doctolib reminds you that online payment is only required in certain cases: after a physical consultation, via an official email notification; when booking a teleconsultation appointment; or in the event of an increase in certain situations (emergency consultations, at night, on a public holiday) via a request sent by SMS, email or application notification.
"If in doubt, you can view all of your appointments booked online for you and your loved ones on your Doctolib account to ensure their authenticity," the platform finally reminds.
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