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Watch Out for Fake COVID-19 Testing Sites

Fake drive-throughcoronavirus testing sites have been cropping up in recent weeks. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammersare dressing up like medical professionals and conducting fake, unsanitarytests for money and identity theft, while possibly spreading the virus.
The fake sites can look real, with legitimate-looking signs, tents, hazmatsuits, and realistic-looking tests.
Reports about fake sites have emerged in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia,Kentucky, New York, and Washington state.
Typically they charge cash ($240 in one instance) for this bogus test, andthey’ll try to steal your social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and credit cardinformation for identity theft purposes, as well.
Some warning signs: the clothing will be inconsistent. Scammersmight wear painter’s coveralls or lab coats instead of legitimate personalprotective equipment. Look at the name tags, too. These sites tend to besmall—maybe a few trucks and tents that can be packed up and moved quickly.
If you’re worried about whether a nearby testing site is legitimate, check yourstate or local health department’s website first.

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