DC Government

“The only problem is: I have never tested positive for COVID.”

“Dear PoPville,

I was just curious if this has happened to anyone else.

I just received a call from “DC COVID19 TEAM” (the caller ID was marked as verified on my iPhone) so I picked up and was asked to verify some personal info. They asked me how I am doing since my positive COVID test result and if I have time to complete the Department of Health interview. The only problem is: I have never tested positive for COVID.

They claimed that I had taken a test two weeks ago but said that they couldn’t see a testing location or any other details besides the test date on their system. I have taken some home tests in the last few weeks, but never on (or even near) the date they claimed I had my “positive result”. Since none of my home tests were ever positive, I have never used their test result submission portal, and it has been a long time since I have done a test at a lab/doctor’s office/etc (those were never positive either).

Should I be concerned that someone is somehow using my identity? Or is this just another classic DC DoH mixup similar to the vaccination records?

Just an update:

They called again the next day (since I hadn’t done the formal interview I was still on the list to be called). It was the same representative and she apologized for calling again as soon as she verified my name and realized it was me again. I asked if she had any other info regarding this supposed test result and she said “No, but it looks like it says you are a child care attendee? Do you work in the school system?” I told her that I do not and I don’t have any kids either. Very strange; it definitely sounds like they are getting people’s personal info mixed up in their system again. I asked if this had ever happened to her before with anyone else she has called and she swore I was the first, so hopefully it’s an isolated issue and not like the vaccine records!

Also forgot to include: she did verify my date of birth.”