The Madison County Health Department has issued an alert for an apparent scam that is related to the coronavirus. According to Public Relations Officer for the Health Department Kelley McBride, multiple individuals have come forward saying they have received text messages telling them they tested positive for the coronavirus.
When the number is called back, there is a prompt that seems to be attempting to solicit money from citizens. McBride says that this is not at all Health Department protocol and is a scam many should be aware of, and report to the Attorney General’s office immediately.
Full Press Release: The Madison County Health Department has become aware of a text message scam circulating in Madison County.
Bogus text messages are being sent to people telling them they have a positive test result for COVID-19.
The messages are coming from 877-878-7608, but this could be easily changed by the scammers.
If the health department cannot reach someone by phone, and there is no voice mail set up for the recipient, the health department will send a text message. Here is the ACTUAL, OFFICIAL text message from the Madison County Health Department:
“This is the Madison County Health Department trying to reach you regarding an urgent health matter. Please call our office at 859-623-7312 as soon as possible.”
The Madison County Health Department will never send test result information through text messaging.
The health department contact tracing team will never ask you for money, a Social Security number, bank account information, salary information, or credit card numbers.
Kentuckians should report scams to the Office of the Attorney General at 888-432-9257
or file a complaint online at: https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/AttorneyGeneral/ScamReport.
Recommended links for more information regarding the Madison County Health Department and for information about COVID-19: www.madisoncountyhealthdept.org www.kycovid19.ky.gov, www.cdc.gov
