Beware NJ COVID-19 Test, Contact Tracing Scams: Attorney General

NEW JERSEY — Testing for COVID-19 and COVID-19 antibodies has become more widely available and false or misleading claims surrounding them are on the rise, according to Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal.

“As public access to COVID-19 and COVID-19 antibody testing increases, so do opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to make money by exploiting people’s confusion and fears,” Grewal said. “We’re urging consumers to do their homework, understand the types of tests being marketed, and recognize what those tests can and cannot do, so they don’t fall victim to false promises and outright scams.”

Last week the Division of Consumer Affairs sent cease-and-desist letters to a Morris County health club and a Passaic County dentist warning them against making false or misleading claims in the sale of antibody, or "serological," tests for COVID-19.

According to authorities, the Morris County health club made misrepresentations in advertising COVID-19 antibody testing available to club members via a health and wellness center affiliated with the club.

The health club’s advertising stated that serological tests can determine “if someone has already contracted the virus and, thus, has developed the antibodies to prevent contracting it again,” authorities said.

Authorities noted that a person may have contracted the virus but not yet developed antibodies that would result in a positive antibody test, and because it has not been established whether the presence of COVID-19 antibodies conveys immunity, and, if so, for how long.

Authorities said the Passaic County dentist made misrepresentations in advertising serological tests for sale to other dental and medical practitioners. Among other things, the advertising stated that medical practitioners can determine that a patient, upon testing positive for a particular antibody, is “now clear, they have the antibody, they're safe.”

Authorities said it has not been established whether the presence of COVID-19 antibodies conveys immunity, and, if so, for how long, or whether someone with antibodies would not be able to spread the virus.

“Misinformation of this nature has the potential to provide false security to individuals and contribute, in the aggregate, to widespread public harm, and also violates New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act,” the Division stated in cease and desist letters.

More Scams, Fake Contact Tracers

In addition to being aware of misleading information relating to testing for COVID-19 and its antibodies, consumers should also beware of outright scams connected to the sale of COVID-19 tests, authorities said. Nationwide, individuals and entities are taking advantage of the burgeoning testing market by selling tests that haven’t been approved by the FDA and may not provide accurate results; going door-to-door and performing fake tests for money; and by purporting to offer free virus test kits in an effort to collect consumers' personal and health insurance information.

There are also reports that scammers posing as contact tracers are texting New Jersey residents with messages saying they came in contact with someone who had COVID-19. The text messages ask people to follow links and then try to get them to reveal their personal information.

“Unfortunately, where there’s money to be made, scammers, con artists, and identify thieves are never far behind,” Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs Paul R. Rodríguez said. “Consumers should be wary of anyone advertising tests for sales via email, on social media, or over the phone. With testing now widely available in New Jersey pharmacies and healthcare practitioners' offices, finding a trustworthy testing site is easier than ever. And consumers should understand that legitimate contact tracers will never ask for social security numbers, bank account or credit card information, or insurance numbers over the phone. They don’t need that information.”

Tips to Avoid COVID-19 Testing-Related Scams:

• Want a test? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you want an antibody test, reach out to your healthcare provider or local pharmacy. They can help you figure out if the test will be covered by insurance and where to find a legitimate clinic, and can ensure that you understand what the results mean.
• Do research before buying. Scammers put pressure on people to buy or commit without giving them time to do further research. Before you agree to anything, do some investigating. Check the FDA website to verify claims that a test has have been approved by the FDA or has received an emergency use authorization issued by the FDA.
• Understand your options. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a detailed guide to testing for COVID-19. Understand the different tests available and what you need.
• Never share your personal information with strangers. Only make purchases and share your personal information with people and companies you know and trust.
• Know what a legitimate contact tracing interview entails.

To learn more about the contact tracing process, go to the NJ Department of Health’s Contact Tracing for COVID-19 webpage.

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