The Oregon Department of Justice opened an investigation this week into a company called The Center for Covid Control, which has been accused of operating suspicious COVID-19 test sites.
The company is being investigated for potential violations of the Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
As the demand for testing grows and the omicron variant surge roars on, Kristina Edmunson, spokesperson for the Oregon Office of the Attorney General, said it’s important for Oregonians to keep an eye out for COVID test scams.
“We’ve continued to get consumer complaints about just suspicious testing centers and sites that are popping up throughout the state,” Edmunson said.
Over 50 people were waiting in line for a COVID-19 test at the Oregon Convention Center testing site operated by Curative, Jan. 6, 2022. A staff member told people in line that the wait was 45-60 minutes. Getting access to tests has become increasingly challenging.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
She said to look out for testing sites charging out-of-pocket fees, asking for sensitive personal or financial information, or websites that lack logos or contact information.
“One of the most important things that we’re really encouraging people to do is to ask questions about the laboratory performing the test,” Edmunson said.
Edmunson said a great way to avoid a scam is to go to testing sites affiliated with or recommended by a trusted organization like the Oregon Health Authority.
“We really want to hear from Oregonians who…
