Beware of COVID-19 Contract Tracing Scams
Here is the newest COVID-19 scam as reported to The Mayflower Community administrative staff:
“Good morning. According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.”
Typical response: “OK. Can you tell me who that person was?”
“I’m not able to tell you that. It is confidential information. But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?”
“Okay.” (Gives address)
“Thank you. I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalize this and send the kit to you.”
“Huh? A payment card? I thought this was all free?”
“No – I’m afraid not. There is a one-off fee of $50 for the kit and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me. Please, when you’re ready.”
“No. That’s not right.”
“I’m afraid it is. Can you give me the card number please. This is very important. There are penalties for not complying.”
Time to hang up! This is how scammers work. Vulnerable people may fall for it. Be aware.
The U.S. Medicare website (https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus) provides the following information about COVID-19 scams:
If you’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you may be contacted by a contact tracer or public health worker from your state or local health department in an effort to help slow the spread of the disease. Here’s what to know if you get a call:
- A contact tracer may call to let you know you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. All information you share with a contact tracer, like who you’ve been in contact with and your recent whereabouts, is confidential.
- You may be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. This means staying home, monitoring your health, and maintaining social distance from others at all times.
- You may be asked to monitor your health and watch for symptoms of COVID-19. Notify your doctor if you develop symptoms, and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen or become severe.
Be aware of scammers pretending to be COVID-19 contact tracers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare Number or financial information.
If someone calls and asks for personal information, like your Medicare Number, hang up and report it to us at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Sincerely,
The Medicare Team
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director