DISB CONSUMER ALERT
Beware of Fake COVID-19 Test Kits
The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) wants District of Columbia residents to be aware of fake COVID-19 test kits.
Example
Bogus and unauthorized at-home COVID-19 testing kits are appearing online and on social media as fraudsters take advantage of the rise in demand. You may receive an email, text message or phone call offering you at-home COVID-19 test kits. The scammers may direct you to a link online or on social media where you can purchase these kits.
Tips to Avoid COVID-19 Test Kit Scams
If you receive a solicitation by email, text message or phone call for COVID-19 test kits or encounter an online advertisement for the kits, please adhere to the following recommendations recently provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
- Make sure the test kit you are buying is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Check the FDA’s lists of antigen diagnostic tests and molecular diagnostic tests to find the ones authorized for home use. Test kits should also be authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization (EUA).
- Check out a seller before you buy, especially if you are buying from a site you don’t know. Search online for the website, company or seller’s name plus words like “scam,” “complaint” or “review.”
- Compare online reviews from a wide variety of websites. You can get a good idea about a company, product or service from reading user reviews on various retail or shopping comparison sites. Think about the source of the review. Ask yourself: Where is this review coming from? Is it from an expert organization or individual customers?
- Consider paying by credit card. If you are charged for an order you never received, or for a product that is not as advertised, you can contact your credit card company and dispute the charge.
Report Fraud
If you believe you have been a victim of a COVID-19 test kit scam, report it to ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams; or contact the DISB Enforcement and Consumer Protection Division at (202) 727-8000.
DISB Mission
Our mission is three-fold: (1) cultivate a regulatory environment that protects consumers and attracts and retains financial services firms to the District; (2) empower and educate residents and (3) support the development and expansion of business.
Social Media
DISB Twitter: @DCDISB
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