To think this NHS email looks spammy?

[Sparklfairy]

Firstly, I'm not really one to be paranoid about links/emails, more that I think I'm savvy enough to be able to spot dodgy ones iyswim.

But I very, very nearly ignored/deleted this email this morning. Granted, I'd just woken up but it just seems a bit of an oversight when everyone is aware of being vigilant about spam and important emails like this might get missed.

It's to do with my ADHD referral, and somewhere in the letter it basically says/implies that because they emailed, they wouldn't be posting a letter. Fair enough, costs and all that, except if I'd missed/disregarded the email...

IDK, I just think there's a fair bit you could do to make it less suspicious looking. I don't particularly want to download random attachments from a possibly spoofed nhs email address which are password protected. And while you may say 'oh it's fine, the password is your DOB' - it's quite easy from a tech perspective to set up any answer as the 'right' answer to a password protected file, giving the illusion of protection iyswim.

I could probably write a bit of code myself that said as long as the password was 8 digits, no letters, characters etc, then accept it.

The email also says the attachment can't be scanned for malware. Again, I know it's legit but that could put a lot of people off.

Just wondered what others think? I might be way off. Maybe I just need another coffee!

As someone who works in the NHS, that looks legit to me. All NHS emails (by law, I assume) have to contain spelling mistakes, weird grammar, and look dodgy as hell. I think it’s because the technology is so old.

If you’re worried you could always give them a ring and check it’s legit.

I know it's legit. But I used to work in both email marketing and coding so maybe I know a bit more than most, saw more signs than most that made me think okay fine I'll open it etc

I can think of one friend off the top of my head who would have taken one look at that email and said hell no. My DM would have probably checked with me even though she's pretty savvy.

To be clear, I wasn't waiting for/expecting an email either. I first got referred in Feb and have heard absolutely nothing since, so this came out of the blue.

I'm not sure if it's just something the NHS hasn't even considered, thinking they're fine, it doesn't matter if they look like a phishing/spam email because it's got an NHS email. That's the easiest thing to spoof if you were a spammer so means nothing.

The malware warning, random 'password protected' attachment could be dodgy, could not, but how are the general public to know?

The answer is right there in the mail "contact the service providing your healthcare"

It's unlikely to be fake, all the links, emails etc are .net and nhs. None look spammy but if you're that unsure then reach out to the service you initiated to check.

No, I don’t think it looks like spam at all.

I've had a similar one. It's legit. It's because they aren't sending letters out anymore.

I email patients with attachments all day every day. Some of those aren't even password protected because they don't contain identifiable information.
Who do you think is going to have the job of "doing more" to make sure it doesn't look spammy? You don't have to open it, if you don't want to. They also say to contact your provider if you want a different form of communication.
If you know how things can be improved, maybe you can volunteer your services to Kent Community Health and spend a couple of days setting up their email systems. I am sure they will be delighted with your offer.