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Public Health warning residents of potential COVID-19 text scam


Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) is warning residents in the region of a COVID-19 booking text scam being used to gather personal information. 

According to a news release issued last Friday (March 26) from the Public Health unit, some residents have received text messages encouraging them to a call a number similar to the COVID-19 booking help line and to provide their driver's license and other information to confirm their identity for their vaccination appointment. 

“Public Health only contacts individuals with vaccination appointments to either remind them of their appointment or to advise them of a cancellation or change to the appointment,” said WDG Public Health in the news release. 

The number being used in the fraudulent calls (1-844-480-0202) is one digit off of the correct number to contact WDG Public Health for COVID-19 vaccination appointments (1-844-780-0202). 

Danny Williamson, communications specialist for WDG Public Health, said at this time to the best of public health's knowledge there is no specific groups being targeted or reports of residents falling victim to the scam. 

“If you receive a text like this, please contact your local law enforcement or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and do not respond to the message,” states WDG Public Health.

For more information on Covid-19 vaccines, go to www.wdgpublichealth.ca/vaccine. 

Post date: 2021-04-01 13:03:54
Post date GMT: 2021-04-01 17:03:54
Post modified date: 2021-04-01 13:03:58
Post modified date GMT: 2021-04-01 17:03:58
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