U.S. households can now request free at-home COVID-19 test kits. However, as is the case with other major government initiatives, such as stimulus checks, scammers are sure to try to take advantage. This time, be on the lookout for lookalike websites when requesting your tests. These scam sites may ask for payment or personal information, such as your Social Security number.
How the scam works
You see a post or ad on social media or receive an unsolicited email or text about the free COVID-19 tests. These communications urge you to request your free tests immediately by clicking on a link.
You follow the link to a website that looks official at first glance. It may have the United States Postal Service (USPS) logo, just like the actual website. It also has a form to request your tests. However, when you start filling out the form, you notice something unusual. This fake version may ask you for personal information, such as your Social Security number or Medicare ID. It could also request your credit card details under the guise of needing to pay for shipping. The actual website does not ask for payment or your SSN. Before you know it, you have given up your information to a scammer.
Tips for identifying a fake website
- Look closely at the domain name. One way fake websites trick people is by using a domain name that is extremely close to an actual…
