LINN COUNTY, IA - Linn County Public Health (LCPH) has been notified by a resident that an individual claiming to be a public health employee attempted to gain access inside their home. The person told the resident they needed to come inside to make sure proper “COVID cleaning procedures" were followed.
This individual was not a LCPH employee. The resident did not allow the person into the home and law enforcement was notified. The individual was later identified by law enforcement.
LCPH wants to stress to the public that no employee from public health will be coming to any home in such a manner, and residents are encouraged to call law enforcement if any such incident would occur.
Scammers will try to take advantage of individuals and their fears surrounding COVID-19 in a variety of ways. Some tips to avoid being scammed may include:
- Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers may be using illegal robocalls to pitch anything from COVID-19 treatments to work-at-home schemes.
- Disregard online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are hoping consumers will buy such products that are not proven to treat or prevent COVID-19.
- Fact-check information, and do not click on links from sources or an email received from someone that you do not know.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit:
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Linn County Public Health, an agency within Linn County government, serves more than 225,000 residents of Linn County to prevent disease and injury, promote healthy living, protect the environment, and ensure public health preparedness. Learn more at linncounty.org/health or by calling 319-892-6000. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LCPublicHealth and follow us on Twitter @LCPublicHealth.