Whatcom County Health Department warns of COVID-19 contact tracing scams in area
The Whatcom County Health Department said in a Facebook post Wednesday evening that it has received reports that residents have been targeted by scammers posing as health department employees conducting COVID-19 case contact investigations.
Legitimate contact tracing is an important tool to help identify people who may or may not have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of coronavirus, according to the health department’s website. Contact tracing lets people know that they possibly have been exposed, how to prevent infecting others and explains how to take care of themselves.
“If you are a close contact, we will confirm some identifying information about you, such as your address and name. ... We will ask you about where you have been and who you have spent time with,” the health department said in the Facebook post.
Unfortunately, scammers are apparently utilizing this exchange of information in an effort bilk personal information out of unsuspecting residents.
According to the health department website, legitimate contact tracers will not ask:
▪ For any financial information.
▪ For any personal information beyond name, address, phone number and date of birth.
▪ About your immigration status.
▪ For your Social Security number.
▪ For any fees or payment associated with contract tracing.
The Federal Trade Commission re-emphasized those points and added that it is important not to download anything sent from a contact tracer in an email or text. Real contact tracers will only send text messages saying that they will be calling you and will never ask you to click on any links or download anything.
If you believe a contact tracing scammer has contacted you, the FTC recommends contacting the Washington State Department of Health to see if the person contacting you is a real contact tracer or not.
“Otherwise, hang up, close the door or don’t respond to, click on or download anything that may be in an email or text. Then, report it to your state and tell the FTC about it at FTC.gov/complaint,” the FTC said.
