In recent weeks, authorities have issued warnings about a new wave of scams related to COVID-19 contact tracing. If you receive a text message from someone claiming to be a contact tracer notifying you of potential exposure to the virus, it’s important to remain calm—this could be a scam.
As the nation begins to reopen, scammers are leveraging the pandemic to exploit individuals. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has highlighted these deceptive messages, which often appear legitimate. For instance, a typical scam text might read: “You’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Please self-isolate and click here for more details.”
However, that link is your first clue that you could be dealing with a scam. Clicking on it could install harmful software on your device, giving hackers potential access to your sensitive information.
How to Safeguard Yourself
So, how can you safeguard yourself? Thankfully, the answer is straightforward: if you receive a suspicious text claiming to be from a COVID-19 contact tracer, do nothing. Avoid clicking any links. Unlike authentic communications from health departments—who will usually inform you that they will be calling you directly—these scam messages often include dubious links.
The FTC explains that real contact tracers work closely with individuals infected with the virus, collecting the names and contact details of those they have interacted with. If you are contacted by a legitimate tracer, expect a phone call from your local health department to discuss your next steps, without any requests for personal information or links to click.
Preventing Scam Messages
To prevent these scam messages from reaching you in the first place, consider employing some of these strategies:
- Utilize your phone’s built-in options to filter and block messages from unknown senders.
- Check with your wireless provider for any services they may offer to block unwanted texts.
- Consider using call-blocking apps that also help filter out spam messages.
The FTC emphasizes that the best defense against these scams is vigilance. Simply ignore any suspicious texts; if it’s a genuine COVID-19 contact tracer, they will reach out via phone to follow up.
Additional Resources
For more details on this topic, you might find our other blog post insightful: Home Insemination Kit. If you’re looking for reliable information on home insemination, check out Make A Mom, which provides authoritative resources. For those curious about IUI success rates, WebMD offers excellent insights.
In summary, be cautious of any unsolicited text messages regarding COVID-19 exposure, especially those containing links. Trust only verified contact tracing communications, and take steps to protect your personal information from potential scams.
Keyphrase: COVID-19 contact tracing scams
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]