Warning about suspect data-gathering exercise

We would like to advise veterinary practices that we are not currently carrying out a data-gathering exercise and that phone calls prompting the return of a survey, and requesting mobile phone numbers, are not being made on our behalf.

This looks like an exercise to gain mobile phone numbers which is being carried out in the College’s name

The warning comes after several practices have called us to query ‘feedback forms’ – supposedly in relation to the Practice Standards Scheme or the payment of members’ retention fees.

The practices were asked to return forms, which they had not received, and also to provide mobile phone numbers, by someone who claimed to work for the ‘statutory regulator’ or ‘the RCVS’.

Contact phone numbers left by the caller were either RCVS fax numbers or numbers which looked like RCVS direct dial numbers but were not.

“This looks like an exercise to gain mobile phone numbers which is being carried out in the College’s name,” says Lizzie Lockett, Head of Communications.

“We are currently investigating who might be making these calls. In the meantime, if a practice receives such a call, it would be helpful if they could take down a name and contact number and let us know, or try using the 1471 service to capture the incoming phone number."

If you have been contacted in this way and have any information, please contact us on 020 7202 0725 or [email protected].

We hope that this warning does not deter you from taking part in legitimate market research exercises and surveys carried out by the College or other organisations.