Want a COVID-19 test? There is (still!) a scam for that.

Better Business Bureau
·3 min read
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Better Business Bureau serving Canton Region and Greater West Virginia offers tips and advice for consumers to avoid fraudulent practices.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have been capitalizing on the crisis. Even now, BBB.org/ScamTracker regularly receives reports about pandemic-related scams. Be on the lookout for this still common con: phishing messages about at-home COVID-19 tests.

How the scam works

You receive a call, get a message, or spot a social media post. You qualify for free at-home COVID-19 tests provided through your insurance or the government. But qualities are limited, and you need to apply immediately.

However, you need to provide a few basic details so you can receive your tests, delivered straight to your door. The form – or in the case of a phone scam, the caller – asks for your name, contact information, and insurance information, including copies of your insurance cards or Medicare number.

They may also ask for your credit card number to cover a small delivery fee. If you agree, you will be handing your sensitive personal information to scammers. Adding insult to injury, you will never receive your tests. They never existed!

One consumer told BBB, “I received two emails from 'COVID-19 Tests' indicating that the Biden administration is required to cover at-home COVID testing kits every month for free. I was asked for personal data, including my address, date of birth, and Medicare card number. When it came time to determine if I qualified, the site would no longer work. I immediately became suspicious. I am afraid I was scammed into providing information that can be used to open accounts in my name.”

How to spot a COVID 19 test scam

  • Want a test? Get one through official sources. Speak with your local pharmacist about purchasing a test or visit COVID.gov/tests to see if your household qualifies for free at-home tests from the government. The FDA also has a list of authorized at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests you can review. You can find that information at bit.ly/Covidneedtoknow.

  • Do your research. Scammers may put pressure on you to hand over your personal information, claiming that if you do not act now, you will lose your chance to get free tests. Do not give into high pressure tactics and always do research before you agree to anything.

  • Understand all your testing options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a detailed guide to testing for COVID-19 that you can find at bit.ly/Covidneedtoknow. Knowing what tests are available and how to get them will give you the upper hand should you be targeted by a scammer.

  • Never share your personal information with strangers. Only make purchases and share your personal information with people and companies you know and trust. Be wary of anyone who approaches you with unsolicited offers, whether over the phone or otherwise. If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, report it to IdentityTheft.gov.

  • Do not click on links in text messages or emails from strangers. Scammers often send links to their victims as a part of phishing scams. Such links might send you to an imitation website where scammers try to collect your personal information or they could download malware onto your computer or mobile device, which will also put you at risk for identity theft.

For more information BBB has additional tips for avoiding scams at BBB.org/SpotAScam. Read more about fake COVID 19 testing sites at bit.ly/fakecovidtest.

For BBB information

Visit BBB.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips and find our events.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: BBB: Want a COVID-19 test? There is (still!) a scam for that.