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January 25, 2022
Dear Friend,
Last week, in an effort to slow the spread of the Omicron variant and help folks stay safe, President Biden announced that every household in the United States can order one set of four free at-home COVID-19 tests. These completely free tests are shipped right to your front door and can be ordered only using the official government website www.covidtests.gov.
But beware, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has alerted us to scammers who are using telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19-related scams. Here are some helpful tips to spot and avoid scams:
- Scammers are selling fake and unauthorized at-home COVID-19 test kits in exchange for your personal or medical information. Make sure to purchase FDA approved COVID-19 test kits from legitimate providers or order your government-issued allotment on www.covidtests.gov.
- You should never have to enter credit card information to receive your free COVID-19 test kits.
- Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone claiming to offer HHS grants related to COVID-19.
- Do not buy fake vaccine cards, do not make your own vaccine cards, and do not fill-in blank vaccination record cards with false information.
Scammers often prey during times of uncertainty. I wanted to make sure you are armed with the right information so you can protect yourself. For more on COVID-19 related scams, please visit: oig.hhs.gov/fraud/consumer-alerts/fraud-alert-covid-19-scams.
Remember, there is no cure for COVID-19 that you can buy. The best way to protect yourself from serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 is to get your vaccine and booster shot, and to test when necessary. Find a vaccine location near you at www.vaccines.gov. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 972-972-7949 or on our website at allred.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Colin Allred
Member of Congress
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