TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert warning Floridians about new and reemerging COVID-19 test scams as Omicron variant cases increase nationwide. With more and more people seeking tests, scammers may be exploiting this demand to steal personal, financial or medical information. There are recent reports in Florida and nationwide of potential fake COVID-19 testing sites, imposter health care workers at legitimate sites and at-home testing scams. Attorney General Moody is asking Floridians to remain cautious when requesting a COVID-19 test—both at a testing site and at home.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As we have seen throughout the pandemic, scammers change tactics as news and situations change. With the recent rise in the number of people seeking COVID-19 tests comes an increased risk that scammers will try to take advantage of the demand. Please take precautions to protect your personal information when seeking a test—whether at a legitimate site or when purchasing an at-home test.”
Long lines at in-person testing sites have caused many Floridians to seek the convenience of at-home COVID-19 tests and testing services. Before purchasing one of these tests or providing personal information to companies offering at-home testing services, particularly online, follow these steps to verify the legitimacy of the product:
- Only purchase products from a well-established, legitimate store or website;
- Search online for the brand name of the test and any complaints;
- Beware of private companies that offer free or reduced cost at-home testing services, particularly if those companies require private information to make an appointment; and
- Watch out for private companies that require personal information to sign up for an at-home testing service but will not guarantee an appointment time.
In addition to at-home test scams, there have been recent reports of suspicious COVID-19 testing sites popping up in Illinois. The sites appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal information from unsuspecting test seekers.
Signs of illegitimate, pop-up testing sites include:
- Having no affiliation with local medical providers or government entities;
- Not delivering test results;
- Workers seeming uninformed about the testing process; and
- Volunteers that are unmasked or not following current Center for Disease Control and Prevention point-of-care guidelines and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s standards during interactions with patients.
Last week in Sarasota, law enforcement received reports of suspicious individuals impersonating health care workers at a legitimate testing site asking test seekers to provide personal, financial and medical information.
Below are questions to ask to help spot a testing-site imposter:
- Are they dressed the same as the other health care workers on site?
- Are they interacting with test seekers within the established test-site area?
- Can they accurately and correctly answer questions without seeming nervous or confused?
- Do they pressure test seekers for personal or financial information?
- Are health care guidelines and standards being followed?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews and authorizes the use of products to prevent or treat COVID-19, including vaccines, tests, drugs and non-vaccine biological products, medical products and devices and more. Unfortunately, some bad actors may sell unproven or illegal products to profit off the pandemic. Not only are these products ineffective, but they could endanger consumers. FDA’s website provides an updated list of fraudulent products and warning letters of firms who have been reported for selling these fake products.
Anyone who suspects a COVID-19 test-related scam should report it to local law enforcement, or to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.
by the We Can Do This
COVID-19 Public Education Campaign
(NAPSI)—January is a month when people make New Year’s resolutions that often include pledges to take steps for better health. With new variants of COVID-19 moving rapidly throughout the world, 2022 resolutions that involve COVID vaccines and boosters can go a long way toward making the new year healthy for everyone. And it can be an easy resolution to keep.
“Vaccines are wonders of medicine that have prevented suffering and death from deadly diseases such as smallpox, polio, and diphtheria,” said Dr. Danielle Zerr, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. “When thinking about how to be healthy in 2022, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters should be high on the list of important and simple steps to good health.” Continue reading
(NAPSI)—Every year more than 5 million homes change hands in America, almost 35,000 of those are in Broward County. For most people, that can be pretty daunting—but it doesn’t have to be.
The Problem
Selling a home is often cited as one of the most emotionally difficult life events. In fact, 77% of respondents told pollsters at 1000watt they might be willing to take 5 to10% less for their home to avoid the hassle. Continue reading
(NAPSI)—With each generation’s expected retirement time growing longer and longer, you may need to plan for 20 to 30 years of life after you stop working. And when it comes to ways to save for the future, many Americans think first of the 401(k), the most popular and well-known retirement savings option.
Saving for Your Health
Lesser known—and understood—is another way to save for your future: the Health Savings Account (HSA). With rising healthcare costs that can exceed $10,000 annually during the retirement years, HSAs are gaining more recognition as a smart way to complement 401(k)s and other retirement savings options by helping you plan and save for healthcare costs encountered now and in the future. Continue reading
(NAPSI)—I remember one specific day in first grade like it was yesterday. It was the day when my teacher saw me hesitate as I started to read aloud to the class. “You can do it,” she told me, as I slowly started speaking. Lo and behold, she was right. I could do it! Her nudge of inspiration changed my life.
Reading isn’t every kid’s passion—some prefer physical science, videography, foreign languages, or global affairs. Whatever their passion may be, a caring teacher and the right learning fit can help children discover their interests and their talents.
That’s what school choice, and National School Choice Week (Jan. 23-29), is about: Championing how wonderful it is that kids have different talents and celebrating the different learning environments that inspire them. Continue reading
Making Life More Fun
(NAPSI)—In the midst of a pandemic, family drama and the passing of Prince Phillip, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were shining examples of grace and optimism over the last couple of years. Picking up the pace of their Royal engagements, the couple has provided a glimpse into what the Monarchy might look like in the future.
In 2022, expect to see a lot more of this powerful pair as they embark on a heavy schedule of events around the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Celebrating the Queen’s 70 years of service, the Platinum Jubilee will consists of festivities throughout the year, with the bulk taking place in June when the Queen’s birthday is traditionally celebrated. William and Kate will play a central role at these events, which will include a live concert from Buckingham Palace that will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant moments of the Queen’s seven-decade reign. Continue reading
(NAPSI)—For many, the past year has been a reminder that they can take important steps in taking charge of their own health and well-being. Now that it’s time for new resolutions, making a positive change for some can mean quitting tobacco. Whether it’s cigarettes, dip, e-cigarettes or some other form, quitting tobacco is often at the top of lists of health-related resolutions. However, one reason it’s frequently on resolutions lists is it can take several attempts to quit for good.
One thing to know if you’re planning to quit is you absolutely don’t have to do it alone. Consider talking with your doctor or health care provider for any tips, tricks or suggestions that can help improve your chances of quitting. Continue reading
Parish Tanner on right receiving a OBL jacket he earned by inviting business guest to the meeting. Presenting the jacket is Luke Emerson.
Left Mike McGee who is a member of help Ocala Business Leaders helping present a Christmas check helping someone through Christmas. Tony Clayton center out going president of OBL and Right Patrick Ferguson receiving check, he and his wife Trish have ten children. WOW!
The State of Florida / Turnpike Authority is trying to take our Land and ruining our Natural Resources!
By Tom Loury
Why is the State hell bent on destroying the west marion County agricultural and pristine Rivers in the Dunnellon area I can’t figure. First it was the Barge Canal, they took property from people that lived on the water to build something that not been updated. I guess the idea was to have a water route to carry cargo from one side of the state cutting the long journey around the tip of Florida especially Coal. The Barge Canal is right next to the Crystal River power plant. The only problem was the Barge Canal when finished could not accommodate the large barge of today or when they finished it. They dredge for years polluting the waters in the gulf. It finally was stop but the water front property that was taken from the residence was not return to original owners. Oh there was some hocus pocus auction that no one knew about. Bottom line they did not get their waterfront property back? I don’t think it’s legal to force buy property for one reason and then use it for another purpose!
Then then comes the Turnpike Extension around 1999, give or take a few years/ They announced it and the residents went nut’s! They had three corridors all worse than the one before, crossing the rivers, running over springs on ranches and just taking people’s land. Mean while big money people had started buying up land in Inglis and Yankee Town secretly hearing it was going there. This was before it was announced. Continue reading
