BBB: Contact tracing scams on the rise

Mid- South Better Business Bureau issues warning during COVID- 19 pandemic

BBB of the Mid-South BBB is passing along a warning issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding contact tracing scams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These scams are designed to steal money and sensitive information from victims. Americans should be vigilant to prevent the theft of sensitive personal information and money by these fraudsters.

Contact tracing is becoming a common occurrence in these days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a means of identifying people who may have come into contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. The infected individual shares personal information about others that they have been in contact with. Then contact tracers follow up with those individuals who could have been exposed to the virus.

Scammers posing as legitimate contact tracers are taking advantage of this opportunity to get personal information from individuals. These scams often occur via text message or phone call. One red flag to

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watch out for is a contact tracer who asks for money or sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, bank account information or credit card number.

Contact tracers are usually hired by the state health department. They contact people to discuss the results of a COVID-19 test or to advise them they were in contact with someone who has tested positive. If you tested positive or have been exposed to someone who has, their goal is to identify other people you’ve been in contact with who may be infected to limit the spread of the virus.

In most cases, they’ll already have your information on file. They may ask about your current health and medical history, businesses or other places you’ve visited, recent travels, others you’ve been in contact with and whether you live in a group setting.

BBB has heard of two versions of the scam – one delivered via text message and the other via a robocall. The text message says someone you’ve been in contact with tested positive and instructs you to selfisolate and get tested. It also includes a link “with more information” that downloads malware to device. The robocall is from a fake contact tracer who asks for personal information and/or payment for some reason.

• Anyone who asks for money, your Social Security number or your immigration status is a scammer.

• Don’t click on links or attachments in an email or text message that purports to come from a contact tracer.

• Legitimate contact tracers may send a message saying they’ll call, but it won’t include any links.

• A contact tracer won’t tell you the name of the person with COVID-19 you may have been exposed to. If he does, it’s a scam.

• You should cooperate with a legitimate contact tracer.

The DOJ has pledged to prevent, prosecute, and punish rogue actors who seek to exploit legitimate contact tracing efforts and steal money and sensitive information from citizens.

Anyone who has spotted a contact tracing scam or any fraud connected to COVID-19 can report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720- 5721 or online at Justice.gov or ftc.gov/co mplaint.