There have been recent reports of fraud associated with contact tracing efforts in Arkansas, according to Stephanie Williams, the chief of staff at the Arkansas Department of Health.
“We now have 600 contact tracers that are actively calling Arkansans everyday,” she said. “But unfortunately criminals have taken this opportunity to call and pose as contact tracers.”
Individuals posing as contact tracers are calling to ask about bank account and credit card information. However, legitimate contact tracers with the Arkansas Department of Health will never ask for this type of information and carry identification with the agency logo.
Williams said contact tracers will be calling from two numbers: 877-272-6819 or 833-283-2019.
To verify that someone is a legitimate contact tracer, call 800-803-7847.
There has also been a report of someone posing as a health inspector who went into an establishment and asked for payment to complete an inspection report.
“Our inspectors will never ask for payment,” said Williams. “There’s no need to pay for those inspections and they also should have identification that they can present to verify who they are.”
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