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As the highly transmissibleomicron variantcauses cases of COVID tosurgeand the demand for testing increases, officials are urging consumers to be aware of fake at-home rapid testing kits being sold online.
The Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration have both cautioned consumers about purchasing and using fraudulent tests.
“It’s not a surprise that, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, fake and unauthorized at-home testing kits are popping up online as opportunistic scammers take advantage of the spike in demand,” the FTC said ina press releaselast week.
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“Using these fake products isn’t just a waste of money, it increases your risk ofunknowingly spreading COVID-19or not getting the appropriate treatment,” the FTC added.
The commission also gave four tips for avoiding fake tests when buying thein-demand productsonline, as approved at-home tests are convenient and help reduce the risk of spreading COVID.
First, consumers should only purchase FDA-authorized tests. The FDA posted lists for bothapproved antigen testsandauthorized molecular testson their website. Additionally, the site includes a catalog of all the knownfakes on the market.
The FDA also advises consumers do their due diligence when purchasing at-home COVID tests. It’s important to research the sellers and search online for the company’s name connecting with the words “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”
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Also, consumers should take the time to compare online reviews from multiple sources to help ensure they are getting accurate and unbiased information.
“You can get a good idea about a company, product, or service from reading user reviews on various retail or shopping comparison sites,” the FTC explained in their press release. “Think about the source of the review. Ask yourself: Where is this review coming from? Is it from an expert organization or individual customers?”
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source: people.com
