Scammers using COVID-19 to get personal information, county and state officials say

The Sedgwick County Health Department has received reports of people getting text messages that could be a COVID-19 scam.

“The message alerts the resident that they have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19,” according to a Thursday news release from Sedgwick County. “The resident is directed to fill out a survey at a link provided online.”

County officials said they would not ask for personal information in an online survey.

The Health Department also would not first contact someone in close contact with an infected person via text. Instead, the Health Department would call and then use text messages after getting permission.

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office also received reports about a text message that reads:

“Someone who came in contact with you tested positive or has shown symptoms for COVID-19 & recommends you self-isolate/get tested,” the Attorney General’s Office said in a news release.

The text also contains a link to a website for more information.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt said his office has had reports of scams about bogus products for coronavirus prevention and treatment and people impersonating government officials.

“We’ve received numerous complaints regarding different types of scams, but this one was particularly egregious for attempting to mislead those targeted into thinking they might have contracted the virus,” Schmidt said.

A complaint can be filed with the Attorney General’s Office by going to ag.ks.gov.

This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 1:13 PM.