NYC Test & Trace Corps Launches "Validate My Tracer" Tool to Enable New Yorkers to Verify the Identity of Their Contact Tracer
New verification tool now available in recognition of International Fraud Awareness Week
Nov 20, 2020
– The NYC Test & Trace Corps today announced the launch of “Validate My Tracer,” a new tool designed to allow New Yorkers to easily verify that the person reaching out to them is a contract tracer with the NYC Test & Trace Corps, in recognition of International Fraud Awareness Week. The tool is now available on the program website, testandtrace.nyc.
“As more people test positive for COVID-19, our contact tracers are reaching more New Yorkers than ever,” said NYC Test & Trace Corps Executive Director Dr. Ted Long. “Our program has been able to reach 90% of all New Yorkers diagnosed with COVID-19 since our program launched in June, and we are confident that this tool will help us reach even more New Yorkers by earning their trust from the start.”
Individuals who receive a phone call or a home visit from a contact tracer can now ask them to share a one-time validation code. New Yorkers can then visit testandtrace.nyc, select “Click Here to Validate My Tracer”, and enter the code. The tool will confirm the contact tracer’s name if the code is valid. Once a valid code has been used, it expires and cannot be re-used, thus preventing the possibility of fraud or misuse.
“The Test & Trace Corps always has been committed to protecting the privacy and security of New Yorkers’ personal and health information,” said Dr. Neil Vora, Director of Tracing, NYC Test & Trace Corps. “With Validate My Tracer, contact tracers have another tool to build trust with New Yorkers, and New Yorkers can feel even safer engaging with a contact tracer.”
“We are proactively launching this tool to keep New Yorkers as safe as possible,” said Lisa Hendricks, Chief Technology Officer of the NYC Test & Trace Corps. “Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure, and this new technology improves upon that practice. We are taking every step to ensure the safety of our community members.”
The Test & Trace Corps reminds New Yorkers to answer the phone if they get a call from NYC Test & Trace or a phone number beginning with 212-540-XXXX or 212-242-XXXX. New Yorkers should be vigilant when accepting a call or home visit from a contact tracer. Remember, a contact tracer will NEVER:
- Ask for your name – they will know it when they call or visit you
- Ask for your Social Security number
- Ask for any private financial information
- Ask for credit card information
- Ask to take control of or download software to your phone, tablet, or computer
International Fraud Awareness Week was established by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners in 2000 as a dedicated time to raise awareness about fraud and its impact. The week-long campaign, which this year is active from November 15-21, encourages the promotion of anti-fraud awareness and education.