Police probe 'fake' gynaecologist

A hoax telephone caller posed as a gynaecologist and offered cash prizes in exchange for intimate details about a woman's sex life, Queensland health authorities say.

Queensland Health received a report yesterday from a woman who told them she had been contacted by a man claiming to be conducting research on a new medical product designed to boost sex drive.

He asked her to divulge intimate details including her sexual history and activity.

Police are investigating the matter amid fears the hoax caller may have struck before.

Queensland Health's Acting Chief Health Officer Linda Selvey warned answering such questions could place women at risk.

"The caller apparently claims to be conducting research for a female libido-enhancing drug as a pretext for discussing women's sex lives... this is very disturbing," Dr Selvey said.

It is understood the caller was posing as a representative of Queensland Health and offered cash or expensive prizes to entice the woman to participate in the bogus survey.

"You'd have to ask why a supposedly highly qualified medical professional would be spending time phoning individuals when their time and speciality skills are so valuable elsewhere," Dr Selvey said.

"Legitimate surveys are generally carried out by call centres with purpose-built systems and procedures."

Queensland Health would not carry out product research and any surveys conducted by the department would be done by a market research company, she said.

"These companies identify themselves clearly and offer a call-back number so people can verify the source of the call if they have concerns."

The department is working with police. It is not known if any other women have been contacted by the man.

- © Fairfax NZ News