Contact tracing is the process of identifying people who have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for an infectious disease, instructing them to quarantine and then monitoring their symptoms daily.

COVID-19 contact tracers are typically hired by a state’s department of public health. They work with infected and at-risk people to ensure they stay isolated for 14 days and may check in with them daily. These interactions usually occur through text messages and phone calls. But scammers, pretending to be contact tracers and taking advantage of how the process works, are also sending text messages and making phone calls.

Share these COVID-19 Scam Tips with your Team

Unlike an official text message from a health department, which only wants to let you know they’ll be calling, bogus messages include a link. Clicking on the link will download software onto your device, giving scammers access to your personal and financial information.

Scam robocalls may also claim to be part of your state’s contact and tracing efforts. The recorded message claims you’ve been exposed. They prompt you to stay on the line or enter a number to speak to a representative, who then starts asking you to verify personal information.

The questions may seem innocent at first – name, address, date of birth – but could eventually probe for data that can be used to commit identity theft such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers. No legitimate tracer will ask for financial information of any kind.

If you get an unexpected phone call, text message or email about COVID-19 that seems a bit shady, do not answer any of their questions, do not visit their suggested website, and do not click on any link they send to you.

You can always contact your state Health Department for help in determining if the inquiry was legitimate.

Are you prepared if your data is stolen or held hostage?

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