TAMPA, FLA – Now more than ever, residents should rely on trusted sources of information for access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination locations in Hillsborough County. As demand for testing increases, so does the risk for potential scams.

Residents are urged to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19 products and practices, especially as it pertains to testing. Further, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen unauthorized fraudulent test kits for COVID-19 being sold online.

Helpful tips for residents:

• Rely on trusted sources of information for COVID-19 testing and locations.
• Check to make sure a COVID-19 testing location is legitimate.

Residents are encouraged to be cautious of:

• Unexpected phone calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies.
• Offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing on social media sites.
• Purchasing at-home testing kits from street vendors.
• Individuals going door-to-door selling at-home testing kits.
• Links that seem questionable or are from unverified sources offering
  COVID-19 testing options.

Resources for reporting fraud and scams:

Complaints about fraudulent activity related to COVID-19 testing can be reported to the State of Florida Attorney General at MyFloridaLegal.com or call 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

Complaints regarding laboratories associated with COVID-19 testing sites can be reported to the Agency for Health Care Administration by emailing CAU@AHCA.MyFlorida.com.

If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, report it immediately to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at TIPS.HHS.GOV or call 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).

If you suspect illegal activity relating to FDA-regulated products, including fraudulent COVID-19 treatments, vaccines, and tests, report it to the FDA Office.

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DOH-Hillsborough works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @DOHHillsborough and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.