Merced County scam alert: COVID-19 test not mandatory to receive benefits, say officials
Merced County residents receiving state assistance can rest assured that a suspicious letter claiming that COVID-19 testing’s mandatory to continue collecting benefits is fake, officials confirmed.
The scam circulated on social media recently as a letter with a fake signature from state Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. It stated that Merced County individuals receiving public assistance who fail to get tested by June 1 will lose their benefits beginning July 1, until testing is completed.
The fraudulent letter said those who test positive may have their children removed from the home and placed in temporary foster care. It also included a website to register for coronavirus testing.
“The letter, its contents and the website are fake,” a California Department of Social Services news release said. “We have alerted the appropriate county authorities for investigation. If you receive this letter, please disregard it.”
Adding to the confusion is that the letter was placed on what appears to be an official CDSS letterhead and references the correct number for Merced County residents to be tested at the Merced County Fairgrounds testing site.
Both state and Merced County officials urge individuals to disregard the letter if it continues to appear on social media.
“State departments and county human services departments NEVER will ask about your health status in connection to an application for benefits,” the CDSS release said. “Similarly, children must be subject to abuse or neglect to enter foster care. Children cannot be put into foster care just because a parent may be ill.”
Those with information about the source of the letter or with questions or concerns about the authenticity of materials from the Department can CDSS at (916) 651-8848 or piar@dss.ca.gov.
This story was originally published May 11, 2020 at 4:04 PM.
