As cases of the omicron variant continue to surge in North Texas, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents to be on the lookout for fake COVID-19 testing sites looking to steal personal information.
The DA’s office said fake pop-up testing sites are being reported across the country and that some of the scammers are asking for credit card and Social Security numbers, which should be a red flag.
“We believe what’s driving demand for this is the rapid testing across the country is causing limited supplies of the tests and this is leaving an opportunity for pop-up locations that may be employing some questionable practices,” said Monica Horton, spokesperson for the BBB of North Central Texas.
One person in Fort Worth reported a pop-up site where staff was reportedly instructing everyone to state they had no insurance. The complainant said they never received their test results and were told to come in for another test. They are now worried the government is being charged for services not provided.
“Be careful,” Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Sharen Wilson said. “Research the facilities before you go and make sure it’s a valid testing site.”
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Research the facility or testing site before you go. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has information at www.fda.gov.
- Talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find a legitimate testing site. When in doubt, go to sites affiliated with local hospitals or…
