CDC workers are NOT conducting door-to-door coronavirus surveillance
In the same way you wouldn't give away your personal information over the phone or to someone who seems sly at your doorstep, neither would you to someone pretending to be with the CDC.
Amid the coronavirus fears and concerns over the disease, there is a door-to-door scam running across the state of New Jersey.
Several police departments including Manchester Police and Long Branch Police at the Jersey Shore are warning residents not to fall for this coronavirus scam.
These criminals are reportedly going door-to-door pretending to be a member of the CDC or WHO asking for information or conducting surveillance of the neighborhood.
"We would like to caution our residents that CDC workers are NOT going door-to-door to conduct coronavirus "surveillance"," Manchester Township Police said on Facebook. "This is a scam that has been reported in other areas in New Jersey. Should someone claiming to represent the CDC knock on your door, do not speak with them or let them into your home! Contact us at 732-657-6111 to report any such activity."
Long Branch Police issued a similar alert and spelled out each of the scams in person or online making their way around New Jersey.
- Door-to-door solicitation: “There have been social media posts regarding individuals going door to door claiming to be from the CDC. The CDC is not deploying teams of people to go door to door to conduct surveillance. People should be warned to not let them in their homes or to speak with them. They are imposters. Contact local law enforcement if this activity is reported in your municipality.”
- Internet adoption scams: “Internet scammers are falsely representing themselves as CDC employees in e-mails to U.S. citizens. In this scam, victims are asked to send money overseas to adopt a dog. The “importer” tells the victim that a CDC quarantine station is holding the dog and lists numerous conditions that must be met, including payment of fees, before the dog can be released. CDC does not quarantine dogs, nor does it require a fee to bring them into the country.
- Email phishing scams: Beware of any emails you receive pertaining to the coronavirus. Verify the address and do not click on any attachments or links unless you are sure they are legitimate. Be especially wary of anyone asking for personal information or money!
If you suspect a scam, report it to the LBPD at 732-222-1000. In addition, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at: ftc.gov/complaint.
Stay with WOBM News for the latest coronavirus coverage and information.
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