Attorney General Warns Of Phony Coronavirus Contact Tracers

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — There's a new scam to guard against, and it's one that may undermine efforts to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

Local health officials have emphasized the importance of contact tracing — directly notifying people who have come into contact with someone who tests positive for the coronavirus — to prevent new cases.

But California Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Monday warned residents to be on guard against scammers pretending to be coronavirus contact tracers in order to trick people into providing personal information.

By convincing victims they've come in contact with someone who's tested positive for COVID-19, the scammers are able to get information such as Social Security numbers, health insurance information and financial information, according to Becerra.

The scammers find victims via phone calls, email and text messages.

"Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for personal information such as your Social Security number or financial information. It sickens the soul that there are people out there who make it their business to scam you as most of us seek to band together to respond to the coronavirus pandemic," Becerra said in a statement.

"I ask all Californians to be alert and protect your personal information," he said. "And if you see something, say something. We are working to track these imposters."

File a complaint about a phony contact tracer.

- Patch Staffer Bea Karnes and Bay City News contributed to this story.

See more:

• Heat Advisory Issued In Santa Monica, LA Coast
• Reward Offered For Help Finding Looters Who Stole Firearms
• Helicopter Activity Expected Over The Peninsula