Fake Fit Notes

Fake fit notes, which claim to be “authentic looking replicas” of the genuine forms are being offered for sale on a website for just ¬£9.99 along with a ‘buy one, get one free’ offer for a blank fit note, so there will be ” a spare one to fill in yourself at a later date‚Äù. Purchasers can apparently choose to have their notes stamped by doctors from medical centres in any UK city.

While we are still getting used to the new fit-note system any employer is vulnerable to this kind of scam. If you receive a GP note that arouses your suspicions, you can refer the worker to an independent occupational health adviser or doctor, or alternatively call the surgery which issued the note to check its legitimacy and that it was signed by the doctor named. Anyone found using the fakes should face disciplinary action. Using one to claim sick pay would be committing fraud.