Fake Sick Notes vs Legitimate Online Doctors: How to Tell the Difference

Fake Sick Notes vs Legitimate Online Doctors: How to Tell the Difference

Why Fake Sick Notes Are a Serious Risk

Fake sick notes are:

● Illegal

● Easily detected

● Grounds for dismissal

They often come from:

● Template websites

● “Instant approval” services

● Non-UK providers

Using one can result in disciplinary action or fraud allegations.

How Legitimate Online Sick Notes Work

Legitimate services:

● Require medical assessment

● Use UK-registered clinicians

 ● Decline unjustified requests

 ● Provide traceable documentation

 No real doctor will guarantee approval.

How Employers Detect Fake Notes

Employers may:

● Check formatting and details

 ● Verify clinician registration

 ● Look for inconsistencies

 Fake notes often lack:

 ● Proper credentials

 ● Medical reasoning

 ● Contact details

How to Protect Yourself

Always ensure:

● The clinician is UK-registered

● The service explains its assessment process

● The note includes required details

Services like Dr Sicks operate within UK medical and legal standards.

Key Takeaways

● Fake sick notes are risky and illegal

● Legitimate notes require assessment

● Employers can often detect fraud

● Choose regulated UK services