Beware Of Contact Tracing Scams In Washington, Police Warn

OLYMPIA, WA — Police are warning of scammers posing as contact tracing investigators to collect personal information in Washington.

According to the Olympia Police Department, the scammers attempt to gather sensitive details, including information that would not be collected by a legitimate investigators. Residents are encouraged to avoid clicking any links in unsolicited text messages.

Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday unveiled a team of 1,371 trained investigators that will track new coronavirus cases and interview each person who could have been exposed to the patient before they were diagnosed.

According to state officials, a legitimate interview will use a list of pre-approved questions, including people's date of birth, gender at birth, current address, race and ethnicity. Real interviewers will never ask for social security numbers, financial information, marital status or immigration status.

The governor's office said information collected by state investigators is stored in a secure system, and the information is only accessible by public health agencies. Interviewers are also bound by strict confidentiality rules.

Learn more about Washington's contact tracing program here.