Health Team

Warning signs of COVID-19 testing scams

With COVID-19 tests, antibody tests and contact tracing in the news every day, it was inevitable that scams would start to pop up.

Posted Updated

By
John Matarese
, Don't Waste Your Money consumer reporter

With COVID-19 tests, antibody tests and contact tracing in the news every day, it was inevitable that scams would start to pop up.

Scammers are now targeting us with ads for testing that's not real, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC has issued a warning that fraudsters are using telemarketing calls, emails and Facebook posts to advertise  fake tests that are really phishing for your personal information.

If you want a test, check with your doctor's office. The government will not contact you first.

The tougher scam to identify, however, is contact tracing scams.

The FTC says scammers are sending text messages or calling to claim that someone near you has COVID-19 and that you are being alerted.

They may give you a link to a website that requests personal info and contains malware.

Real tracers will ask for your name and recent locations, but never about Medicare, your bank account, or especially your Social Security Number.

When it comes to COVID-19 testing, if anyone asks for a social security or credit card number there's a chance you are being scammed.

For more consumer news and money saving advice go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com.

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