The State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is warning that scammers, knowing there is a high demand for COVID-19 testing, are using this crisis to prey on victims and steal personal information. On the mainland, apparently there are “fake” testing sites, and although there have been no reports of similar situations here on the Big Island–it’s still good to be vigilant, especially regarding over-the-phone or online contacts offering at-home testing.
The scammer may promise a free test or lie about the government mandating a test in their attempt to gain access to personal and health insurance information. Once scammers obtain an individual’s private information, they use it to bill federal health care programs and/or private health insurance plans for tests and procedures the individual did not actually receive. Be cautious of any unsolicited offers that require or request your medical insurance information.
Below are facts about testing and ways you can prevent your personal information from being stolen.
Home Test Kit Scams
- No COVID-19 test kit to be completely used and processed at home has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the time of writing.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has received reports of robocalls offering free virus test kits in an effort to collect personal and health insurance information. One version of this scam is targeting people with diabetes, offering a free COVID-19 testing kit along with a free diabetic monitor.
- Do not purchase any test kit available on social media, through the internet, or to anyone going door-to-door.
Test Site Scams
Use only approved testing sites affiliated with trusted hospitals and providers.
- People have set up makeshift testing sites that can look real, sometimes outdoors as drive-through testing locations.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has determined that fake testing sites are not following sanitation protocols, so they can potentially spread the virus.
- Be wary of on-site personnel wearing painter’s clothing and uniforms resembling those worn by workers collecting hazardous material instead of legitimate medical personal protective equipment.
- Report any fake testing sites at http://ftc.gov/complaint.
Phone Scams about Testing
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns consumers to beware of individuals who contact you in person, by phone, or by email and falsely state that the government is requiring you to take a COVID-19 test.
- These scammers will likely ask for your health insurance information, including your Medicare or Medicaid number, and other personal information.
There are several legitimate testing sites around the island. Click here to get a list of sites that will test to see if you have COVID-19. Click here for more information about antibody testing, which will tell if you had COVID-19 already.
Links for more information:
FDA FAQs on Diagnostic Testing for SARS-CoV-2
FCC COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips
FTC Not Every COVID-19 testing site is legit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Evaluation & Testing page
FBI Warns of Emerging Health Care Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Pandemic