Scam appears to be using covid-19 related issues

The Arkansas Attorney General’s office reports that scam calls coming in are seeking to take advantage of high unemployment and covid-19 contact tracing.

According to a news release issued by the office on July 8, scammers are using ongoing Arkansas Department of Health contact tracing — a method of tracking an infectious disease outbreak — as cover to collect people’s personal information.

A common tactic, according to the release, is to send someone a text message containing a link that indicates a positive test result but instead provides the scammer with personal data from the individual’s phone.

The release indicates that people who have tested positive should expect to be contacted by ADH staff to identify individuals they have been in close contact with.

This process will not cost money and the Attorney General’s office encouraged people to avoid giving out personal bank account information or buying gift cards to pay scam artists.

Links in emails or text messages should be avoided if the recipient has not signed up to receive the messages and unsolicited emails or texts should be verified by contacting the ADH at ADH.Corona Virus@arkansas.gov or by phone at 800-803-7847.

Any victims of financial identity theft should submit police reports and other relevant information to the Attorney General’s Office to apply for an identity theft support, according to the release.

To file a complaint about potential scams, residents can call the Attorney General’s office at 800-4828982, email oag@arkansas ag.gov or visit ArkansasAG. gov.