GRAND RAPIDS, MI – State and local officials are warning Michigan residents about an increase in scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both the Better Business Bureau and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released statements on Monday warning residents to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19 testing sites and fake testing kits.
The BBB says it is investigating multiple complaints of potentially fake testing sites in West Michigan, although none have been confirmed as of Monday afternoon.
Fake locations have been identified in other parts of the country, according to the BBB. In nearly all cases, 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,” said Lisa Frohnapfel, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan. “People should make sure they are getting tested through a legitimate company, found through a reputable source like the local health department.”
Nessel pointed out the BBB notice, as well as one issued by the Federal Trade Commission, in her warning. She said consumer protection teams are seeing an increase in calls and complaints related to…
