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FOX43 Finds Out: Five ways to spot a contact tracing scam

As states reopen, contact tracing efforts are ramping up and with that comes more scams. FOX43 finds out how to spot the scam.

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Now that almost all of Pennsylvania is in the green phase of reopening, people are interacting in-person again.

COVID-19 Contact tracing is an important part of the reopening process.

FOX43 Finds Out how scammers are using contact tracing to steal your information and money.

FOX43 Finds Out

The point of contact tracing is to track who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

That way people know if they should quarantine and it gives public health experts a better idea of how the virus is spreading.

However, the scams are spreading too.

The Federal Trade Commission says these scams can come in a text, email, or phone call.

RELATED: COVID-19 contact tracing apps could help experts better understand the virus, quickly alert people to potential exposure

RELATED: If you get this text message related to COVID-19, delete it ASAP

Real contact tracers may be getting in touch with you the same way.

Here's what a legitimate contact tracer will ask: your name and address,  your health information and the names of places and people you have visited

Here's what a scammer will likely ask you: money or gift cards in exchange for information, your bank account, or credit card numbers, your social security number, or even your immigration status.

The FTC warns people not to answer any of those questions because that information is not needed for contact tracing.

If you have a story you want Jackie to look into, FOX43 wants to find out. Send her a message on Facebook or send an email to FOX43FindsOut@FOX43.com  

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