Scammers are taking advantge of the covid-19 and tropical storm crises.
The US Attorney's Covid Strike Team will investigate and prosecute virus and other scams.
You can report suspected fraud schemes and price gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or e-mail disaster@leo.gov. 

The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control encourages you to be vigilant against scams but respond to legitimate contact tracing calls or emails.
DHEC conducts contact tracing for covid-19 and notifies people about possible exposure to stop the virus spread.
The virus can be transmitted without causing symptoms.
DHEC has more than 700 individuals trained to perform investigations across the state, supplemented by 230 active contact monitors.

If you test positive, a contact tracer will call you. They will:
• Connect you to medical care and help you find resources and support if needed.
• Ask about places you have been and the people you have spent time with recently.
Information you provide is kept confidential and will not be shared with others. 
You will not be asked about your immigration status nor will immigration officials be alerted.

Call those you recently were in close contact with and let them know they have been exposed 
A “close contact” is someone you have been within 6 feet of for at least 15 minutes.
Remain vigilant against potential scam attempts.

A contact tracer will never ask for your:
• Social Security number,
• Money, bank account or credit card number
• Immigration status.

If you are concerned if a caller is a real DHEC official, verify their identity by:
• Asking them to send you an email. The email should end with @dhec.sc.gov.
• Calling the DHEC regional office to confirm the caller’s name and credentials.
Contact tracing participation is voluntary and confidential. 
A legitimate contact tracer will never threaten you to answer questions.