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MAYVILLE — Chautauqua County is warning residents about a scam in which callers claim to be contact tracers for COVID-19 and attempt to get personal and financial information from victims.
State and federal authorities said there is a new phone scam.
“If you are tested for COVID-19, and your test result comes back positive, a Chautauqua County public health nurse will contact you. If during the investigation of the positive case, you are named a close contact, a NYS contact tracer will contact you, county officials said..
The nurse and the contact tracer will identify themselves, say where they work, and how they can be reached with questions. People will be asked for identifying information (name, address, date of birth). People will not be asked for money or financial information; the service they provide is free.
Scammers might also attempt to sell products to treat or prevent COVID-19 without proof that they work. At this time, there is no FDA approved prevention, home test kit, or treatment.
Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Public Health Director, wants everyone to be alert and aware.
“Anytime you receive a call, text, or email asking you for personal or financial information, be concerned about who is calling – don’t provide your social security number; don’t provide financial information, and be cautious of texts or emails asking you to click on a link. Public health nurses and contact tracers will not ask for that information.”
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