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Q: Hello, I received a text from an unknown number saying I can get a free covid test. I don’t necessarily need one at the moment, but I think it couldn’t hurt to have one, just in case. Anywho, what concerned me about this message was that the URL attached to the text was a garbled mess of numbers and characters, which was very suspicious. I’m 99% sure it’s a scam, but I wondered if scammers are currently doing this. Please let me know; thank you.
A: The short answer is: yes, we still receive these sorts of reports at Better Business Bureau quite often. Phishing scams are one of the most common tactics scammers use, as they can easily be created and sent out en masse. However, it’s not just via text. Folks have reported receiving these messages via email, phone calls, and social media posts.
When looking to get a free Covid test, you should always do it by going through the proper channels. Speak with your local pharmacist about purchasing a test, or visit Covid.gov/tests to see if your household qualifies for free at-home tests from the government. You can also get four free home tests for a single household at special.usps.com/testkits. The FDA also has a list of authorized at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests you can review, which you can find at FDA.gov.
As always, you should do your research before accepting any offer. Scammers may pressure you to hand over your personal information, claiming you'll lose your chance to get free tests if you don't act now. Refrain from giving in to high-pressure tactics; constantly research before you agree to anything. In addition, review this warning from the FDA.
Understand your options when it comes to testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a detailed guide to testing for COVID-19. Knowing the available tests and how to get them will give you the upper hand should a scammer target you.
Never share your personal information with strangers. Only make purchases and share your personal information with people and companies you know and trust. Be wary of anyone approaching you with unsolicited offers, whether over the phone or otherwise. If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, report it to identitytheft.gov.
Remember never to click on suspicious links from unsolicited or unverified sources. Scammers often send links to their victims as a part of phishing scams. Such links might send you to an imitation website where scammers will dress up a fake website in a way that looks indistinguishable from the real one to try and collect your personal information, or they could download malware onto your computer or mobile device, which will also put you at risk for identity theft.
It’s great that you could recognize that scam text for what it was. In the future, if you need additional help or information on the latest scams, check out our articles and tips library at BBB.org.
