Health officials warn of fraudulent COVID-19 testing sites

Washington based National Healthcare Anti-Fraud Association says they've identified fraudulent testing sites in multiple states already.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Health officials across the country are warning those needing COVID-19 tests of fraudulent testing sites.

Washington-based National Healthcare Anti-Fraud Association says they’ve identified fraudulent testing sites in multiple states already, but experts say this is not a reason to avoid getting tested.

“The vast majority of these sites are valid sites, and you should not be discouraged from going out and get a test,” says Louis Saccocio, the CEO of National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association. “That’s the last thing you want to do. You just want to be a little careful.”

To avoid fraudulent testing sites:

• Make sure the site is affiliated with either a hospital or a city
• Ask which test they are conducting
• If they are conducting a PCR test, you can find out which lab they are using.
• If in doubt, check your local health department

Anyone suspecting that a COVID-19 testing site is fraudulent can report it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General by calling 800-447-8477 or submitting the tip online.

You can also report COVID-19 fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud online or by calling 866-720-5721.