As the United States begins to reopen and adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, officials are raising alarms about a rising wave of scams targeting individuals through text messages. If you receive a text from someone purporting to be a COVID-19 contact tracer, informing you that you have been exposed to the virus, stay calm—it could very well be a scam designed to compromise your personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning regarding this deceptive scheme, which appears alarmingly authentic. Victims have reported receiving messages stating, “You have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and you should self-isolate or get tested,” often accompanied by a link for further details.
This link is the key indicator of a scam. According to the FTC, clicking on it may unleash malicious software onto your phone, giving cybercriminals access to sensitive data.
How to Safeguard Yourself
So, how can you safeguard yourself? Fortunately, the answer is straightforward: if you receive such a message, take no action. Do not click on any links. Legitimate contact tracers, as the FTC explains, will not send links in texts; rather, they might notify you via text that a call from your local health department will follow to discuss necessary next steps. They will never request personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank details, through a text message.
Tips to Prevent Unwanted Messages
To prevent these unwanted messages from reaching you, consider these tips:
- Check if your phone has features to filter and block messages from unknown senders or potential spam.
- Ask your wireless carrier about services available to block unwanted texts.
- Use call-blocking applications that may also assist in filtering out unwanted messages.
Ultimately, the best defense against these scams is to disregard any suspicious text. If it is a valid contact tracer, they will reach out via phone to follow up.
Additional Resources
For more information on related topics, you can explore this post about the impact of government policies on community health at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re interested in home insemination methods, check out Make a Mom for authoritative insights. Additionally, WebMD provides an excellent resource for understanding various treatments related to pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, be vigilant about text messages claiming to be from COVID-19 contact tracers. Protect your personal information by recognizing the signs of a scam and following simple precautions.
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