July 30, 2020
Daily Update
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New Scam Targeted at Individuals
Who Have Tested for COVID-19
As much of our attention and energy continues to be focused on slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a different threat is on the rise—fraudulent activity aimed at taking advantage of vulnerable and unsuspecting individuals. Just days after sharing information about fraudulent unemployment claims, the City of Phoenix has learned scammers may be targeting individuals who have had COVID-19 tests processed through Sonora Quest Laboratories. We want to share a few details from Sonora Quest so employees are prepared.
In a recent letter to patients, Sonora Quest explained that individuals posing as lab representatives are calling people who have tested for COVID-19, claiming they have test results. The apparent goal of this “Imposter Scam” is to gain personal and financial information from the person on the receiving end of the call.
Sonora Quest provided the following guidance:
Verify the phone number if you are unsure about a caller.
A patient may receive a return phone call from Sonora Quest regarding access to test results. However, test results are normally provided to the ordering physician for them to share with the patient (If you are tested at the Fairgrounds through our employee testing program, Sonora Quest is the lab used and the provider, which is Banner Health, would contact you).
The lab will not provide COVID-19 results or collect payment by phone unless initiated by the patient. Sonora Quest will never request a social security number over the phone.
The lab does not charge for COVID-19 PCR or antibody testing when ordered by a physician.
Tests are likely covered by insurance or provided at no cost to uninsured patients through employer, state and federal programs. If you did not have a COVID-19 test and receive a call, hang up the phone immediately.
Sonora Quest has established a
coronavirus resource page
. Please visit the site for information about testing, access to results, and billing.
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Phoenix COVID-19 Hope Fund Established
to Help Employees with Financial Challenges
City of Phoenix employees experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 related events may qualify for financial assistance through the
City of Phoenix COVID-19 Hope Fund
. The Fund, created as part of the City Council’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Strategic Plan, provides financial assistance for basic household expenses an employee is unable to pay due to impacts of the pandemic. Examples of basic household expenses include rent or mortgage, utility expenses, and unanticipated funeral expenses for immediate family members. A city employee is eligible to receive funding one time only for documented “emergency” health and human service needs.
The COVID-19 Hope Fund is available to eligible full- and part-time employees, as well as employees who have retired within the last 12 months. Eligibility is determined through an application process and committee review. Interested employees must
submit an application
clearly explaining why they are requesting emergency funding and how they’ve been impacted by COVID-19. Along with the application, employees must submit the bill(s) they are requesting assistance for as well as documentation of the hardship, such as the following:
termination letter
unemployment application
proof of reduction in hours or wages
proof of increased childcare expenses
documentation of funeral expenses
Applications for HOPE funding can also be submitted by an employee’s approved representative, if the employee is incapacitated. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All eligible applications will be reviewed by the COVID-19 Hope Fund Committee to determine full or partial funding of the request. Funding will only be considered for documented expenses. A committee member will contact the applicant with the committee’s decision.
Employees who meet the criteria for HOPE funding will not receive a cash payment due to tax restrictions. All payments for assistance will be made directly to the landlord, mortgage/utility company, and/or vendor. Funding is limited and will be available until exhausted.
To download an application, please visit the
Employee Assistance & Resources webpage
on the Employee Health Updates website. Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted to
covidhopefund@phoenix.gov
or mailed to Marie Rabusa, City of Phoenix, City Manager’s Office, 200 W. Washington St., 12th floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Please contact your HR liaison with any questions.
