LANSING (WWJ) -- Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel is sending out a warning related to reports of fake at-home COVID-19 tests that are being sold online.
Following recently released warnings about fraudulent tests by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau, Nessel is reissuing her "Websites Selling COVID-Related Products That Are Fake or Never Arrive Consumer Alert."
“As the pandemic continues to grip our nation, bad actors are finding new ways to take advantage of our current reality,” Nessel said. “Right now, there is a huge demand for at-home COVID-19 tests, so it's important to understand there will be attempts to capitalize on that demand. The best way to combat criminal attempts to defraud consumers is to educate yourself on the latest scams.”
The Department of Attorney General's Consumer Protection team is seeing an increase in calls and complaints related to at-home test concerns.
At this time, officials said the complaints are being reviewed to determine if additional action is necessary.
Related
Remember the following tips from the FTC if you’re shopping online for COVID test kits and related items:
• Make sure the test you're buying is authorized by the FDA. You can check the FDA's lists of antigen diagnostic tests and molecular diagnostic tests to see which tests are authorized for home use.
• Check out the seller before you buy, especially if buying from a site you're not familiar with. Search online for the website, company or seller's name plus words like "scam," "complaint" or "review."
• Compare online reviews from a variety of websites. People can get a good idea about a company, product or service from reading reviews on various retail or shopping comparison sites. Think about the source of the review. State officials say to ask yourself: "Where is this review coming from?" and "Is it from an expert organization or an individual customer?"
• Pay by credit card so if you're charged for an order you never got, or for a product that's not as advertised, you can contact your credit card company and dispute the charge.
Related
In April, Nessel warned about fake advertisements and too-good-to-be-true treatments related to COVID-19, by issuing her COVID-19 Vaccine Scams Consumer Alert.
The department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.
Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General's website, or if you have questions call 877-765-8388.
