The coronavirus has created a perfect storm for scammers. One unique scam to arise this summer is scammers posing as contact tracers working for state health departments.

Contact tracing is an important part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Approaches to contact tracing will vary by state; but know in all states, legitimate tracers will never ask for money, bank account information, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or medical insurance information. You may receive a text from a contact tracer to inform you they will be in contact by phone. If a text like this tells you to a click a link, it’s a scam. Clicking will download software on your device to access personal and financial information. When in doubt, don’t act before contacting your state health department to find out what process they are using.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam or get help if you’ve fallen victim.