Fraud Alerts/PSAs

July 24, 2020: Phony Contact Tracers Trying to Bilk People During Pandemic

 

Contact Tracing Scam

Printable Version (English)
Printable Version (Spanish)

Criminals are finding new ways to cash in on the coronavirus pandemic.

In the Contact Tracing Scam, criminals pretend they are gathering information about COVID-19 cases.

They ask for Social Security numbers, money, financial information, immigration status and other sensitive information not required for authentic contact tracing.

Victims have been contacted through telephone calls, text messages and email.

 

TIPS:

  • Never provide individuals claiming to be a contact tracer any personal information about your finances, your Social Security number or detailed health information. Legitimate contact tracers may request your full name and date of birth.
  • Contact your local health department to verify that the calls or messages are valid.
  • Be wary of any links or attachments in emails or text messages.

For additional information, visit the California Department of Public Health’s Contact Tracing page: http://covid19.ca.gov/contact-tracing.

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