Be alert for COVID-19 contact tracing scams.
COVID-19 contract tracers make contact by telephone so you can’t ask to see an ID.
But there are ways to ensure you are speaking with an official contact tracer. That’s what officials in San Mateo County are trying to help with in an effort to get ahead of scammers.
People are encouraged to cooperate with legitimate contact tracers, who are helping health departments around the country identify people who have come into contact with people infected with COVID-19 and thus, stop the spread.
San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney John Wilson wants residents to avoid people who are trying to imitate a contact tracer.
"A legitimate contact tracer is essentially only going to ask about your medical symptoms and the people with whom you have been in contact," Wilson said.
An official contact tracer will never ask for your social security number, financial or bank account information or health information.
"Another giveaway is an official contact tracer will never ask for money or will never tell you that you are being charged a fee," Wilson explained.
If they do - you are talking with a scam artist and are asked to call your local police or district attorney’s office. San Mateo County is looking to get ahead of these scammers who have been active in other parts of the state.