Hays County: FDA warns public about fraudulent COVID-19 test kits

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County says the FDA is warning consumers about fraudulent and unauthorized at-home COVID-19 test kits.

The FDA is actively working with test developers to expand the availability of safe and accurate COVID-19 testing, which may include home collection, says a release from the county.

"Fraudulent health claims, tests, and products can pose serious health risks," says the release. "They may keep some patients from seeking care or delay necessary medical treatment."

The FDA has already identified and issued warning letters to companies found selling and promoting these fraudulent tests and is also stepping up enforcement at ports of entry to ensure fraudulent products coming from outside the country don't enter the US borders.

The county is asking anyone aware of fraudulent COVID-19 test kits to report them to the FDA via email (FDA-COVID-19-Fraudulent-Products@fda.hhs.gov) or by calling and leaving a message at the Dallas FDA office at 214-253-5237.

In addition to the FDA, the FBI is investigating scams involving COVID-19 cases. A federal investigation in a website claiming to offer free coronavirus vaccine kits was launched after an FBI Cyber Squad agent in Austin confirmed that the World Health Organization (WHO) was not providing free kits as claimed.

The website, called coronavirusmedicalkit.com, offered free vaccine kits in exchange for a shipping charge of $4.95 to be paid by credit card.

Federal court action to combat COVID-19 fraud filed in Austin

The case involves a website offering virus vaccine test kits that are fake.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. Every weekday we're live at 1 p.m. with a special show reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.

You can watch live in your FOX 7 Austin app or on the FOX 7 Austin Facebook page.

You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.