Revised: Reports of Scam Text Messages Related to COVID-19

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – The Sedgwick County Health Department has been notified of a potential scam related to COVID-19. Some residents have received text messages claiming to be the Sedgwick County Health Department. The message alerts the resident that they have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19. The resident is directed to fill out a survey at a link provided online.

This is a scam. Please note that the Health Department:

• First calls all potential close contacts of COVID-19 cases as part of infectious disease monitoring.
• Uses text messaging only after verbal permission from a close contact.
• Never asks for personal information in an online survey, such as social security number.

If a resident has been contacted by a COVID-19 scammer, such as the attached text messages, they should file a complaint with the attorney general's Consumer Protection Division online on a form specifically designed to cover COVID-19-related scams and price gouging at www.ag.ks.gov.  

-end-