The Federal Bureau of Investigation
is warning the public about potential fraud schemes related to antibody tests
for COVID-19.
Scammers are marketing fraudulent and/or unapproved COVID-19 antibody tests, potentially providing false results. In addition, fraudsters are seeking to obtain individuals’ personal information (names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, etc.) and personal health information, including Medicare and/or private health insurance information, which can be used in future medical insurance or identity theft schemes.
Scammers are marketing fraudulent and/or unapproved COVID-19 antibody tests, potentially providing false results. In addition, fraudsters are seeking to obtain individuals’ personal information (names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, etc.) and personal health information, including Medicare and/or private health insurance information, which can be used in future medical insurance or identity theft schemes.
In response to the vast number of
COVID-19 cases, and in an effort to return to a normal economy as soon as
possible, researchers have been encouraged to devise testing methods that can
be quickly and easily deployed to test large numbers of individuals for
COVID-19 antibodies. However, not all COVID-19 antibody tests have been
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their efficacy has
not been determined.
The FBI warns the public to be aware
of the following potential indicators of fraudulent activity:
Claims of FDA approval for antibody testing that cannot be verified.
Advertisements for antibody testing through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources.
Marketers offering “free” COVID-19 antibody tests or providing incentives for undergoing testing.
Individuals contacting you in person, phone, or email to tell you the government or government officials require you to take a COVID-19 antibody test.
Practitioners offering to perform antibody tests for cash.
Claims of FDA approval for antibody testing that cannot be verified.
Advertisements for antibody testing through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources.
Marketers offering “free” COVID-19 antibody tests or providing incentives for undergoing testing.
Individuals contacting you in person, phone, or email to tell you the government or government officials require you to take a COVID-19 antibody test.
Practitioners offering to perform antibody tests for cash.
- Checking the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for an updated list of approved antibody tests and testing companies
- Consulting your primary care physician before undergoing any at-home antibody tests
- Using a known laboratory approved by your health insurance company to provide the antibody testing
- Not sharing your personal or health information to anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals
- Checking your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider
- Following guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals
If you believe you have been the
victim of a COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to National Center for
Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or justice.gov/disastercomplaintform, or the FBI (ic3.gov,
tips.fbi.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI).
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