Computer hackers have targetted one of Britain's best-known and biggest providers of private cosmetic surgery, stealing confidential details of nearly 500,000 people who approached the company for any help.
The details were stolen via Harley Medical Group's website in an apparent bid to blackmail the company, Daily Mail reported Tuesday.
Patients interested in surgery are asked to fill in an online form ahead of an appointment, with details including phone numbers, e-mail address and date of birth.
The firm, in a letter to patients posted online, admitted that the personal information was accessed and stolen in a security breach.
The company carries out a range of cosmetic surgery from breast augmentations and reductions to facelifts and tummy tucks. It boasts to potential customers on its website: "Our No.1 goal is to look after you."
Peter Boddy, chairman of the Surrey-based company which has 31 clinics nationwide, was forced to write to clients apologising for the security breach while reassuring them that "clinical and financial information has not been compromised".