Officials: Phishers target Stamford in coronavirus testing scam

STAMFORD — City officials and health providers are warning residents to be aware of a COVID-19 testing scam that has popped up in the city

Under the name Community Health Services, a fake outlet is claiming to provide testing and “collection” services to people throughout Stamford, specifically on the East Side, authorities said.

The “organization” was most recently spotted soliciting people in front of 808 East Main St. on Thursday afternoon. Scammers are requesting that people provide their insurance information and state-issued IDs to receive treatment, officials said.

A particular concern is that residents might confuse the name of the fictitious organization with Community Health Center, the similarly named nonprofit provider that operates multiple free testing sites in Stamford and across the state.

Community Health Center does not require proof of insurance to receive a COVID-19 test.

“Community Health Center Inc. testing locations are clearly marked with signage displaying our name and branding, and all personnel wear branded identification badges,” said Vice President of Communications Leslie Gianelli. “While we ask for the name and contact information of those we test, this is to provide test results.”

There is a legitimate health care provider in the state called Community Health Services — which operates clinics in Hartford and Windsor. Officials there confirmed Friday the Stamford operation is unaffiliated with their services. No other entity in the state is licensed by the Department of Public Health to operate under the name Community Health Services.

. The Stamford Police Department is aware of the phishing effort and is presently investigating the matter, according to Arthur Augustyn, communications assistant to Mayor David Martin.

“If residents are concerned about a test site, check the city’s website, which includes a complete and comprehensive list of all the testing locations in Stamford,” he said.

Community Health Center offers free testing at 16 locations across the state. Its Stamford site, currently located at the Fifth Street location, will move to the Terry Conners Ice Rink Parking Lot at Cove Island Park on Friday. The health center also operates a testing center at Scalzi Park.

The city currently refers residents to 12 different testing facilities scattered throughout Stamford, including the two run by Community Health Center. It also recommends locations operated by nonprofit group Family Centers, Stamford Health and Optimus Healthcare, among others.

Other towns in the state have reported similar scam attempts recently.

The state’s Department of Consumer Protection has a webpage with common scams during the pandemic.