Fake COVID-19 test kits and related scams have been increasing amid a spike in demand for testing, the BBB says. Here’s what you need to know.
and conducted fake COVID-19 tests on people standing in line "as a ruse to get their personal information."
"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," the BBB said in an alert. New Yorkers stood in long lines to get tested for COVID-19 on Monday, December 27, as case numbers in the city continued to balloon.
In one scam, officials with the organization warned of robocalls that are sent out to consumers directing them to a website that looks like a clinic or medical supply company offering COVID-19 tests. In order to receive the test, a credit card or form needs to be completed with personal information.
The tests allegedly identify if a person has been infected with the virus, even if they have recovered. Some even promise results in 10 minutes and others are offered through a clinic, the BBB said. "But in all versions, the person or website selling the test is short on details," the BBB said. "They aren’t willing or able to provide any information about how the test works, where it is sourced, and what laboratory processes it."approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration"In fact, requestors may never even receive an actual test kit. Either way, scammers will have made off with the money and personal information," the BBB said. The U.S.
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