COVID Home Test Kit Buyers Beware Says Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is warning of COVID-19 test scams.

The BBB says consumers should research before buying, including the return time claims on home test kits.  Recently, New York State Attorney General Letitia James sent letters to several testing companies telling them to stop making false claims about fast returns on tests or charging big fees for tests that can be had for free at government testing sites.

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James is also asking consumers to report price gouging of at-home kits and other in-demand items.  The A.G.’s office has gotten complaints about testing products being sold at double or triple the retail price.  The office says a standard BinaxNOW brand test kit in a Walgreens in New York should cost between 14 and 25 dollars but some people have said the product had price tags of up to 70 dollars per package.

The Better Business Bureau says consumers should reach out to their healthcare provider for help in figuring out what tests are covered by insurance and where to find a legitimate clinic, understand the options and never share personal information with strangers.

Meanwhile, free testing is being done in Broome County at the County Health Department by appointment and at the New York State mass vaccination site at the former Davis College on Riverside Drive and the new testing site at Binghamton University Foundation next to the Walmart at the former Gannett printing facility in Johnson City.

Other County Health Departments in the region can also give information on legitimate COVID-19 testing locations.