Gov. Tom Wolf Warns Pennsylvania Residents Of Contact Tracing Scams
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
HARRISBURG (KDKA) - As there is with so many things in life, the coronavirus pandemic has brought about scams.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf is warning Pennsylvanians to be alert and aware of "contact tracing scams."
"In Pittsburgh, we're the second oldest population outside of Florida, and so we recognize that senior citizens are targeted in the area," said Warren King of the Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania.
"Typically because they're more trusting if they believe something has happened, especially within their family. They'll be concerned and want to help. Sometimes it's just confusion or fear," said Robert Torres from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Gov. Wolf says several people have received phone calls asking for their social security numbers or payment for tracing devices. Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians that workers actually doing contact tracing do not ask for personal information.
King said scammers can send dangerous links, and "malware will then attach to your computer or device and they'll be able to steal personal or financial information." Official contact tracers will send information via text, email or mail only after they have made contact by phone.
Health department experts say if a person wants to verify the legitimacy of a call, they should contact the state health department to confirm at 1-877-724-3258.
