GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – As the demand for COVID-19 testing continues to rise over recent weeks, scammers are taking note.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning earlier this year about potential fraud related to the antibody tests. Scammers are selling unapproved COVID-19 antibody tests, which can give inaccurate results.
“We are hearing about companies who are marketing testing kits that are not necessarily approved by the FDA,” said Susan Bach of the Better Business Bureau. “Scammers are taking advantage of the situation, and also marketing test kits where they collect money, credit card information, even personal information like your Medicare number, but then don’t send you the kits at all.”
The US Food and Drug Administration is warning people of fraudulent coronavirus tests, vaccines, and treatments as the pandemic continues. According to the Centers for Disease Control, since the arrival of the Omicron variant, the increase of testing for COVID-19 has become a concern. Scarcity often leads to potential scams for a product that doesn’t exist, the compromise of personal identifiable information, or the increase of deceptive advertising.
“Whether it’s online or at your local pharmacy, do a little bit of research first to make sure that it’s a reputable company and also that the particular brand has been approved by the FDA,” Bach told WTAQ News. “The FDA has put out a list of diagnostic tests that are approved so it’s very easy for a consumer to go to that website and make sure that they’re using a recommended test.”
As for identifying scammers, Bach says it’s pretty easy to detect most of the time.
“The first red flag that it might not be a reputable company, is if they are soliciting you,” Bach said. “If you get a robo-call or text message or an email asking you to purchase this kit, that should definitely be a red flag that this might not be a reputable company…Research that company. Google the company name and the word ‘review’ or ‘scam report’.”
Another easy way to avoid the risk altogether is to simply reach out to your healthcare provider – or local health department.
“Start with talking to your doctor. He or she may have better advice about where to be tested, where to find a good testing site, and if it will be covered by your insurance,” Bach said.
To learn more, head to BBB.org.
Comments