Toronto Public Health warns of fraudulent text messages to residents about COVID-19 testing

Toronto Public Health (TPH) published a series of tweets Tuesday notifying residents aboutreports of fraudulent text messages about COVID-19 test results.

"These messages are falsely claiming to be from TPH staff and include threatening language that may be upsetting to the recipients," the agencysaid in one of the tweets.

On its website, TPHsays it corresponds with residents through text messages, emails and phone calls. When it does, it asks residents to confirm their identity before providing support and information to make sure people are following public health guidelines and restrictions.

Most often, TPH will contact residents if they've tested positive for COVID-19. When it does, it will confirm the positive test results before asking about symptoms, determining the period of self-isolation, and help identify close contacts to notify them to get tested.

Text messages from TPH will be from 77000 and include a secure link to complete a personal assessment form.

TPH urges residents not to share any personal information with anyonefraudulently claiming to be from the public health agency.

If residents have any questions aboutany correspondence that appears to be from TPH, the agency isasking themto contact its hotline at 416-338-7600.