The Pine Bluff Police Department has issued a warning regarding a COVID mask scam that is circulating in the city.
The administration of the Pine Bluff Police Department has been made aware of a message going around social media and text messaging. The message claims to be a “police bulletin”.
The message goes on to say that a person or group has been going door to door claiming to be giving away masks.
They claim to be working for local government. The person then gives their would-be victim a mask to “check fit”. The message states that the mask is laced with a chemical that renders the victim unconscious. The person or persons then rob the victim.
This message is not from the Pine Bluff Police Department. The Pine Bluff Police Department is unaware of any incidents resembling this message occurring in Pine Bluff.
However, The Pine Bluff Police Department does not recommend taking a mask that is not in its original manufacturer’s packaging from anyone, especially a stranger. The reason for this recommendation is not out of fear of robbery. Anything that can be transmitted from breath can be transmitted to you if the mask has been worn before. Any virus, bacteria, etc. that can be transmitted through touch can be transmitted to you by the other person handling the mask.
You should only wear masks that YOU have opened from the original packaging. It is a good idea to wash any cloth masks prior to wearing them the first time.
