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.
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
The FBI recommends:
- Checking
the FDA’s website 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
© Copyright 2020 Elombah.com.
Comments
Post a Comment