Fake Websites Target People Searching for Free COVID Tests from Government

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – As households across the country can now request free at-home COVID-19 test kits through a new Biden administration program, some people are looking to capitalize on it – by ripping others off.

Every time there is a big government initiative – like stimulus checks or the free at-home tests – scammers typically find ways to take advantage. Susan Bach of the Better Business Bureau says a common issue already involves fake websites.

You may hear about the free COVID-19 tests and do a search for it online, or you see a post or ad on social media or receive an unsolicited email or text. These communications urge you to request your free tests immediately by clicking on a link.

“Scammers will create a lookalike website with a URL address that is very similar to the official website,” Bach said. “The main thing to remember is that if you are on a site that asks for any kind of payment information, social security number, anything like that – chances are that you’re on the wrong website.”

With the legitimate website, the only information you need to provide is your name and address. The test and shipping is also completely free.

Tips to identify a fake website:

• Look closely at the domain name. One way that fake websites trick people is by using a domain name that is extremely close to a real business’s or organization’s domain name. For example, the real COVID-19 test request website is special.usps.com/testkits. Scammers may swap two letters or make a slight misspelling. If you find a spelling error in the domain name, you’re not on the official site, and it’s best to close the tab.
• Watch out for tricky subdomains. Sometimes attackers hope you will confuse a subdomain with the real domain name. For example, a scammer might use the subdomain name usps.faketestkit.com hoping you won’t notice that “faketestkit.com” is not the correct domain name to get your free test kit, which is usps.com.

If unable to go online to order, you can call 1-800-232-0233 to order free test kits.

You can learn more at BBB.org.