Due to the recent COVID-19 flare-ups across China, some residents in the city may have received phone calls from subdistrict or community offices, asking about their travel histories, addresses or other personal information.
But how can we make sure that they’re not phone frauds? After talking to a few local community staffers, calling the government hotline 12345, and doing some research, we have compiled the following information.
Who may receive an epidemiological investigation call?
Currently, there is no official document concerning who will receive an epidemiological investigation call, as we were told by a staffer from the government hotline 12345 and a staffer from the city’s health commission.
According to a staffer of Xiang’an Community of Xiangmihu Subdistrict in Futian, people who fail to take nucleic acid tests on time or people who had left Shenzhen may receive an epidemiological investigation call.
According to a report published by Shenzhen Special Zone Daily on its official WeChat account Jan. 11, individuals identified as confirmed, asymptomatic or suspected COVID-19 patients, and people who are their close contacts or who have been exposed to an environment that may cause infections, will also receive epidemiological investigation calls.
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How to make sure that the call you receive is an epidemiological investigation rather than fraudulent call?
1. While it is hard to tell from the caller’s phone number if he/she is an epidemiological investigator or a fraud, when a subdistrict or community staffer calls, a reminder will usually pop up on the screen, showing where the call is from. For example, if the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention (SZCDC) calls, a reminder showing “深圳疾控给您来电” will pop up when your phone rings. If a community office staffer from Xiangmihu Subdistrict calls, a reminder showing “深圳市福田区香蜜湖街道办事处给您来电” will pop up.
2. Usually, epidemiological investigation calls are made by subdistrict or community staffers. The person who calls will tell you which subdistrict or community office he or she is from before asking questions. If they don’t provide this information, ask them.
If the information the caller provides can’t convince you, you can call 12345 or the subdistrict or community office, or drop by your local community office to verify the information.
What questions will an epidemiological investigator ask?
Generally, an epidemiological investigator will ask you questions or verify information concerning your travel history, home address, recent nucleic acid test record, close contacts (if you’re identified as a confirmed case) and other information helpful to contain the spread of the virus.
Things that an epidemiological investigator will never do
The key to identifying a phone fraud is to remember that an epidemiological investigator will not ask you questions unrelated to COVID prevention and control, especially questions such as any regarding your personal assets. They will also not ask for any verification code, or ask you to scan a QR code, click a link, or join a QQ or WeChat group to fill out your information, let alone attempt to sell you anything or ask you to transfer money to any account. If anyone asks you to do so, just hang up the phone.