As COVID-19 testing increases, along with the number of confirmed positive cases, there will be an increased number of contacts from each new COVID-19 case who will need to be reached. Community members should be aware that if they receive a phone call with a caller ID that indicates “California COVID Team” or something similar, it is likely the Public Health contact tracing staff trying to reach you.
The goal of contact tracing is to ensure that each resident who has been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case has everything they need to protect their own health and the health of their family and friends. All information provided to the public health department through contact tracing is strictly confidential and will be used for public health purposes only.
As with any crisis, though, there will always be scammers who will look to take advantage of the situation. Scam artists may pretend to be contact tracers to trick residents into divulging their private personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial information or health insurance information.
We want residents to feel safe when talking to County contact tracers. Contract tracers will never ask you for:
- Social Security numbers, financial or health insurance information
- Ask residents for money or to pay any fees
Please report any COVID-19 related fraud in San Mateo County to the
District Attorney’s Office.
