The BC Center for Disease Control is warning people that someone is using monkey pox in an attempt to deceive the public.
The scam starts with an automated call claiming to have test results or exposure information about the virus.
“Public health does not use automated messages to notify individuals of infections or potential exposures,” the BCCDC warned in a news release.
The monkeypox virus, which has been confirmed in 173 people in British Columbia, is spread by close, often skin-to-skin contact.
In its first stage, the virus leads to flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. in the second phase, painful sores or blisters may develop all over the body and last two to three weeks.
After someone tests positive for a contagious disease like monkeypox, public health contact tracers will reach out to people to find out who they may have been exposed to. The BCCDC says it will never ask for financial information when tracing cases or contacts.
Scammers have tried to trick victims about contact tracing in the past. In one case reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, fraudsters posed as agents of the Public Health Service of Canada, offering false COVID-19 test results as part of a scam.
The BCCDC is warning people to be on the lookout for fake phishing emails, text messages and robocalls designed to steal personal and financial details.
Eligible British Columbians are encouraged to be vaccinated with a first and second dose of the monkeypox vaccine.
