GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Following an increase in testing requests after the holidays, the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan (BBB) is warning people to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19 testing sites.
BBB is investigating multiple complaints of potentially fake testing sites in the area. So far, no fraudulent testing sites have been confirmed in Western Michigan.
However, fake locations are being identified in other parts of the country, where scammers take people’s personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card information and other health information to steal identities and gain access to financial information.
“Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they’re being scammed until they don’t get the results of their tests. By then, the damage is done. Their personal information has been compromised and their testing has been delayed,” President and CEO of the BBB Lisa Frohnapfel said. “People should make sure they are getting tested through a legitimate company, found through a reputable source like the local health department.”
- Talk to your doctor. Their office can refer you to a legitimate testing site within your required testing window.
- Check your local health department’s website. They list authorized testing sites and any pop-up clinics near you. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also has test site recommendations.
- Understand your options. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a detailed guide to testing for COVID-19. Understand the different tests available.
- Report Covid-related scams to bbb.org/scamtracker. Your report can help others stay alert and avoid similar scams.
Further Viewing
Katie Grievious with the BBB spoke with WKZO about these scams on Tuesday morning. To listen to the interview, click here.
The BBB warning has also prompted an additional safety reminder from Attorney General Dana Nessel. To view that announcement, click here.
