Contact Tracing Text Scams Target Consumers

As a result of the novel coronavirus and the efforts to control the pandemic, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued several warnings regarding new ways scammers may try to trick consumers. One such scam is fraudulent contact tracing text messages. Scammers may try to access your information by claiming to be doing contact tracing for the government or other entities. If you have received a contact tracing text, there are ways to verify it’s authenticity and steps to take if the text is a scam.

How Is Legitimate Contact Tracing Used

According to the FTC, contact tracing is used by states’ departments of public health to monitor and control the spread of COVID-19. These departments work with infected people in order to determine everyone they came into contact with while possibly contagious. The department then contacts the at-risk individuals via a contact tracing text. Contact tracing can help states notify potentially contagious individuals so that those people can quarantine as necessary.

How Do Scammers Use False Contact Tracing Text Messages

While a legitimate contact tracing text won’t ask for any personal information, a scammer may use a message claiming to be from a contact tracer in order to ask for this sort of information. A fraud contact tracer may ask for your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information, according to the Miami Herald.

In order to access this information, the scammer may send a text offering contact tracing jobs or asking for fraudulent fee payment. You may also receive these types of scams via emails or phone calls. If you receive a contact tracing text, don’t send any personal information in response.

Signs of A Scam

There are several ways to tell a legitimate contact tracing text from a scam. First, a legitimate contact tracer will already know personal information about you like your date of birth, and they may ask you to confirm that date. Second, a real contact tracer will never ask for payment information or your Social Security number. They also won’t tell you the name of the person who may have infected you. A legitimate contact tracing text is usually only used to inform the recipient that they will be receiving a call from a contact tracker. If you are contacted by a contact tracer and want to check if they are legitimate, they should be able to give you information on testing locations and how to make an appointment. If you receive a scam text message, you can report it to the FTC.

How To Protect Yourself

The FTC lays out a few key methods consumers can use to protect themselves from scam contact tracing text messages. First, you may be able to block messages from unknown senders or spammers using your phone settings. Your service provider may also have a tool or service that serves that purpose. If not, you may be able to download an app to block these texts.

Finally, the FTC also advises consumers on how to protect themselves from text scammers in general, not just scam contact tracing text messages. The agency recommends using multi-factor authentication when working online. This makes it harder for scammers to log into your accounts if they do gain access to your login information. Next, set your phone and apps to auto-update. This may not seem relevant, but these updates sometimes include safety measures that can protect you from scammers. In case your data is accessed, the FTC recommends backing up the data on your devices regularly so that it won’t be lost if you suffer a malware or ransomware attack.

Join a Free Text Message Coupon Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you have received coupons or sales advertisements in a text message from a restaurant or clothing retailer and your phone number is registered with the National Do Not Call registry, you may be entitled to compensation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented 
for informational purposes only.