SCAM ALERT: COVID-19 testing scams remain a threat as testing decreases in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ),
When the omicron wave hit Missouri , COVID-19 testing saw a large increase in the beginning of January. At the same time, the FDA released a study showing COVID-19 testing scams popping up as the demand for tests was rising.
The Better Business Bureau is warning you to not fall victim to a COVID-19 testing scam even as testing demand has dramatically decreased in Missouri in the past month, going from 337,638 total tests recorded on Jan. 9 to 44,564 total tests recorded on Feb 6.
According to the BBB scam tracker, more than 50 COVID-19 scams have been reported across the country, with at least one reported in Missouri.
COVID-19 testing scams work in several different ways. In one version, scammers are selling unapproved COVID-19 antibody tests, which can give inaccurate results. In another version, robocalls are sent to out that will take you to a website that looks like a legitimate company offering COVID-19 tests. In other cases, scammers use what looks like an easy at-home testing kit, but little information is provided about how the test works. And in the latest twist, there have been reports of scammers showing up at testing sites and giving fake tests to people standing in line to avoid the wait.
Michelle Gleba with the Better Business Bureau said the best way to avoid getting scammed is to safeguard your personal information.
"All of that type of information, your address your phone number your date of birth or your bank account number, your credit card number all of that is sensitive information that scammers try to obtain, with COVID tests they try and do this with fake websites," Gleba said.
If you are trying to find a free COVID-19 test, Gleba said you want to watch out for several red flags.
“What you want to do is make sure you look at the domain name if it doesn't start with 'https' then that might be a red flag, does it have a lock symbol if it doesn’t that can be a red flag, if you are looking for the official government website does it end in dot gov?" Gleba said.
As testing started to rise in Missouri due to the omicron variant, COVID-19 testing lines were seen wrapped around buildings at one point at the MU Health testing site. Scammers started to take advantage of people in a hurry, maybe wanting to skip the line.
"One of the reports we are seeing is people coming in to different testing sites and stopping people in line, saying hey to save time do you want to go ahead and give me your information and we’ll give you a test," Gleba said.
Last month, St. Louis officials and residents reported concerns that unauthorized or even fraudulent COVID-19 testing sites were popping up as demand was rising in the area.
The BBB said the best thing to do is avoid giving out your personal information if someone is not willing to provide backing, or any information about the test.
Another thing to look out for is unsolicited callers and messages. According to the BBB, no legitimate company or health clinic will call, text, or email you without your permission. If you get an unsolicited message from someone, BBB said it’s best not to give the caller or sender any personal details before confirming it’s from a legitimate source.
“The bottom line is scammers continue to evolve so they are always one step ahead, ready and waiting to take advantage of any new thing going on or whatever trend happens to be happening," Gleba said.
There are several ways to avoid this scam:
- Talk to your doctor to find a legitimate clinic
- Check the official website of your local health department
- Research companies before you buy
- Understand all your options
- Never share personal information with
- Ask for credentials
- Check claims of FDA approval
If you do come across a scam the BBB said the best thing to do is report it to the scam tracker.
