Beware of COVID scam calls

Posted on January 22, 2021

Scammers posing as Department of Health officials are reportedly contacting people to obtain personal information in exchange for COVID-19 test results.

According to the Department of Health- Taylor (DOH-Taylor), the local office has recently received reports of phone scammers requesting credit or debit card information to release test results.

“Please know the health department would never ask for this type of information,” DOH-Taylor Public Information Officer Martine Young said.

The DOH recently transitioned to a new text notification method and application that allows people to view their test results.

“However, there is no charge to download the app or view results. A person will only be asked for certain identifiable information, such as date of birth, in order to view their results for health security purposes,” Young said.

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with DOH-Taylor to combat theft of information.

The TCSO recommends locals be leery of telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms and even door-to-door visits.

Other methods of fraud include offering COVID-19 tests, grants, vaccinations and Medicare prescription cards in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, these services are unapproved and illegitimate.

“These scammers use the coronavirus pandemic to benefit themselves and may cause financial harm to you or your loved ones,” the TCSO said in a press release.

To protect oneself, the TCSO advised Taylor Countians to be vigilant, as well as to:

• Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal, medical and financial information. Medicare will not call beneficiaries to offer COVID-19 related products, services or benefit review.

• Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately.

• Do not respond to, or open hyperlinks in, text messages about COVID-19 from unknown individuals.

• Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites. If you make an appointment for a COVID-19 test online, m a k e sure the l o c a t i o n is an official testing site.

• Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone claiming to offer grants related to COVID-19.

• Be aware of scammers pretending to be COVID-19 contact tracers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare number, financial information or attempt to set up a COVID-19 test for you and collect payment information for the test.

If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, contact TCSO at (850) 584-2429 or call 800-HHS-TIPS (800- 447-8477).

Should you have any questions for the DOH-Taylor, please contact (850) 584-5087.