Will County Gazette

Veteran state Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) is warning residents about one of the latest COVID-19 scams in which the caller pretends to be a contact trace operator.

“With this new scam, the scammer tells the call receiver that they have been exposed to COVID-19,” Batinick said. “The scammer will reportedly tell the call receiver they have to pay to have a COVID-19 testing kit sent to them or they will get in trouble.”

Authorities note senior citizens have been particularly targeted by scammers. Officials are now also reminding everyone that health departments will never ask for money or for individuals to pay for something related to COVID-19 testing or contact tracing. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission is working to make certain that people are aware that legitimate contact tracers will not ask for any personal information, such as a Social Security number, bank account or credit card information.

Now approaching his sixth year of serving as state representative in the 97th District, Batinick has taken on a vocal role in protecting citizens during the coronavirus crisis. He recently assailed Gov. J.B. Pritzker after he moved to reenact stricter restrictions on public gatherings in the area.

Citing rising infection rate numbers, the governor recently banned indoor service at bars and restaurants in Will and Kankakee counties. In addition, those establishments are now also required to close by 11 p.m. and cap capacity at 25%. Casinos also must close at 11 p.m. and are limited to 25% capacity.

“I’m not sure the source or reason for the increased positivity rate,” Batinick said. “It is hard to explain that without context. A single hot spot tens of miles from our area could be the cause.”

With the counties suddenly posting positivity rates of better than 8% on three consecutive days, the governor wasted little time in acting, making the region the second of the state’s 11 to be sent in reverse in the state’s reopening process.

“This is not a perfect science and the reasons we are over it right now are more complex,” Batinick added. “First off, we are grouped with Kankakee County. County lines are a bit arbitrary. We are going to have odd situations like this because it can’t be perfect.”