Scam Alert

The era of Covid-19 has also brought more opportunity for scammers. One of the newest scams involves a person pretending to be a contact tracer. Real contact tracers are those that are hired to identify people who have come into contact with some one else who has tested positive to Covid-19. A real contact tracer will never ask for personal information such as your Social Security number. These scammers are usually using a fake caller ID and typically a number that is local or even similar to your number (this is called Spoofing). They may ask personal questions and try to have your divulge sensitive information. They may contact you via a phone call or even by text message. A real contact tracer may contact you to alert you that you if you have been exposed to a positive person and they may ask you if you have been in contact with others, but they will not ask you for confidential information such as your Social Security number.

There have been many more phone and mail scams happening recently. If you suspect it is a scam never give out your personal information. If they state that they are from your bank, credit card or other company you do business with, hang up and call the number on your statement or main company number. Also, remember that Social Security and IRS do not call you, they will always send a letter in the mail. I hope this helps. The last thing we need right now is opportunistic people taking advantage of our current situation.

If you suspect you are being scammed please report it to the Federal Communications Commission.

Stay Safe and healthy!

Tania E. Velez, MD, DIMPH