BBB warns consumers of coronavirus testing scams amid spike in COVID-19 cases
The US Food and Drug Administration is warning people to be aware of fraudulent coronavirus tests, vaccines and treatments amid the spike in COVID-19 cases, according to the Better Business Bureau.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported the need for COVID-19 tests increased with the arrival of Omicron, but suppliers are facing a shortage of tests resulting in a number of fake pop-up testing locations and other scams.
The Better Business Bureau said the scams involve at-home testing kits in some cases, and clinics that promise rapid results.
"However, in order to receive said test, a credit card or form with personal information is needed before any test can be administered," the BBB said in a press release. "Then the person selling the test fails to provide information about how the test works, where it is sourced, and which health lab processed the test results."
No such scams have been reported to date in Guernsey County, but authorities caution area residents to be vigilant.
Individuals who want a test can contact their health care provider or visit one of the testing locations in Cambridge.
On-site testing is available at Southeastern Med, Muskingum Valley Health Center, Rite Aid, Cedar Ridge Behavioral Health Solutions, Cambridge VA Clinic and CVS Pharmacy, although most locations require an appointment.
Contact numbers for those locations include:
CVS Pharmacy, 740-439-3502.
Rite Aid Pharmacy, 740-432-9301.
Cedar Ridge, 1-855-692-2247.
VA Clinic, 740-432-1963.
Symptomatic patients can walk in to Urgent Care at MVHC, where they can see a provider for testing. Urgent Care is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Patients can also call 800-454-5157 to schedule an appointment.
Limited testing on an outpatient basis is available at Southeastern Med with a physician's order. Contact the hospital, 740-439-8000, for more information.
Rapid, at-home tests are sold at Walmart, CVS and Rite Aid, although each locations reports supplies are limited.
Otherwise, consumers can start with searching BBB.org to see if the company selling tests are BBB accredited and if they have good consumer reviews.
Review the warnings from the FBI, Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General’s office prior to purchasing a test from an unknown supplier.
The CDC has a detailed guide for COVID-19 testing and the DDA website contains a list of approved tests and their testing companies.
The BBB says to never share your personal information with strangers.
"Only make purchases and only share personal information with people and companies that you know and trust," said BBB officials in the release. "And, be wary of anyone who approaches you in a testing line and ask for credentials, if necessary."
If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, report the situation to identitytheft.gov.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: BBB warns consumers of coronavirus testing scams during COVID-19 spike
