Rockford BBB warns: Con artists expected to get to work quickly on free COVID test scams
ROCKFORD — The government has rolled out its website to order free test kits that will start to be delivered in late January.
The Better Business Bureau is alerting the public that criminals are expected to use that opportunity as a way to steal money and information from unsuspecting victims.
“Since the very beginning of the pandemic, the BBB has seen scams revolving around every type of COVID PPE, testing and vaccinations,” Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau, said in a news release issued Wednesday.
“With the website rollout, scammers have a new opportunity to con individuals into giving them private health, financial and insurance information. Do not fall for it.”
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The BBB is urging the public to be careful and vigilant as they go about ordering free test kits for COVID.
Use only the official website, covidtests.gov, to request the tests, Horton advised, and do not agree to pay for anything.
"These tests are free, including shipping," the release states. "Do not give your credit card out to anyone who claims they can get you the tests or expedite the delivery date."
Chris Green: cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford area residents warned of potential COVID-19 testing scams
