The Antelope Valley Times

Your community. Your issues. Your news.

  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Local
    • Palmdale
    • Lancaster
    • Los Angeles County
    • Littlerock
    • Lake Los Angeles
    • Rosamond
    • Edwards AFB
    • Acton
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Advertise
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Show Search

LA County officials warn of fake COVID-19 tests, identity theft

by The AV Times Staff • January 11, 2022 Leave a Comment

As the demand for COVID-19 tests surges along with infections due to the Omicron variant, officials are warning of fraudulent tests online and at pop-up locations. Sellers of fake tests are also stealing patient data for purposes of identity theft, according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

“The harder it is to find a testing site, the more individuals that are predators … are going out and doing illegal activity with kits that are not even accredited and stealing identities of patients,” Barger said.

Barger asked county staff to come up with an enforcement plan for cracking down on fraudsters as well as an educational campaign to alert the public to the risk and point them to legitimate resources.

“It is imperative that the board ensure residents can be confident that they are receiving an accurate and a legitimate test without risking their private information,” Barger said. “These (fraudulent sites) are popping up on street corners,” she warned.

The Federal Trade Commission sent out an alert last week warning about fake tests online. The FTC cited the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in warning Americans that “fake and unauthorized at-home testing kits are popping up online as opportunistic scammers take advantage of the spike in demand.”

The FTC offered the following tips:

  • Check the FDA’s lists of antigen diagnostic tests and molecular diagnostic tests before buying.
  • Conduct a web search for the seller’s name or website along with “scam,” “complaint” or “review”.
  • Compare online reviews from a wide variety of websites.
  • Pay by credit card so that you can later dispute the charge if necessary.

California is also moving against price gougers taking advantage of the surging demand for test kits. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order, announced last weekend, that prohibits sellers from increasing prices on at- home test kits by more than 10%.

A report in response to Barger’s motion is expected back in 30 days.

–

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety, Health, Home, Los Angeles County

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Comments

  • Stinger on Newsom joins Oregon, Washington in pact to ensure abortion access: “A standard NPC response of willful ignorance. Rather pathetic, actually.” Jun 25, 19:49
  • Stinger on Newsom joins Oregon, Washington in pact to ensure abortion access: “All your hype aside, it is true that there is likely to be some additional expense to taxpayers to support…” Jun 25, 19:44
  • Stinger on Op-ed: Gascón’s recent statements are 100% false: “It just shows how desperate they have become to keep their status quo, quo. It’s too bad that attorneys aren’t…” Jun 25, 19:40
  • access denied on WATCH: Courtney’s Playground opens at Marie Kerr Park: “I see everyone dressed up for the occasion” Jun 25, 16:44
  • J-Doe on Family urges judge not to reverse convicted killer’s death sentence: “….. .” Jun 25, 16:37

Copyright © 2022 · The AV Times LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of Use