Scammers rampant phishing for personal information during COVID

Public Officials are warning the community of scammers that are trying to pass themselves as State Health officials calling to give you information regarding Covid-19 test results.

Eagle Pass Mayor Luis Sifuentes reported that they have been receiving various complaints from community residents who have received such calls.

“They are telling the people that they are calling to provide results from a recent Covid-19 test, they took. They are then requesting personal information such as a social security number and other information. They are fishing for details and are trying to prey on people, ”said Sifuentes.

Mayor Sifuentes and County Judge David Saucedo then explained that State officials dealing with such matters will not call you. The Emergency Operation Center is the organization that is in charge of those calls including contact tracings and other Covid-19 related issues.

“These individuals are not part of the EOC team or part of the State. We warn the public, be weary of any fraudulent calls, ”added Sifuentes.

In the past months the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The scammers are using different types of setups to steal your personal information.

If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, report it immediately online or call 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious.

Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.

Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.

Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding. Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.

Do not click any links in a text message. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren’t hacked.

If you think you’ve been a victim of a coronavirus scam, contact law enforcement immediately.