Potential COVID-19 scam reported to Public Health and Human Services

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has been made aware of a potential scam related to COVID-19.

At least one individual received a call from a person claiming to be a contact tracer and stated the individual was exposed to COVID-19 at a local business. The person claiming to be a contact tracer stated the individual's credit card number and asked for the three-digit security code. 

Contact tracers and investigators from PHHS will never ask for credit card or banking information. They also will never ask for social security numbers.   

PHHS contact tracers are trained in HIPAA and other privacy laws. Tracers and investigators will ask demographic information such as race, ethnicity, age, etc. Any information shared with contact tracers and investigators will not be shared with anyone else. 

If anyone is suspicious of a call from someone claiming to be a contact tracer or case investigator, please call PHHS at 573.874.7355 or email [email protected] and a staff member will verify their identity.