Local News

Use caution in online purchase of COVID-19 tests, AG warns

ALPENA -- Offers of at-home COVID-19 tests could be too good to be true, Michigan officials warn.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Monday alerted residents to a surge in reports of scammers selling fake tests online. The increase in scams accompanies the recent spread of the highly contagious omicron variant of the sickness.

People hoping to buy tests online should ensure the product is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, research online by searching for the seller's name plus words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review," and pay by credit card, Nessel suggests.

COVID-19-related scams can be reported on the attorney general's website at michigan.gov/agcomplaints or by calling 877-765-8388.