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Oregon attorney general warns about fraudulent Covid testing sites, overpriced tests

Oregon’s attorney general issued a warning Wednesday, advising people to be cautious of testing sites that seem suspicious or vendors selling overpriced at-home tests.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said her office is keeping a “vigilant eye” on the marketplace and working with the Oregon Health Authority to ensure testing sites are in compliance with state laws.

“The huge demand for Covid-19 testing of all kinds—at home tests, rapid antigen tests, PCR tests–brings bad actors and some businesses trying to make a quick buck out from the shadows. We see it all the time in moments of desperation like this testing urgency,” said Rosenblum.

The release said people should be cautious about pop-up sites charging out-of-pocket fees, that don’t disclose the laboratory performing the test, aren’t affiliated with a known organization and ask for sensitive information, like social security numbers.

Locate a testing site through OHA’s testing locator, or use Salem Reporter’s testing guide for Marion and Polk county sites and events.

The average cost for a package of two at-home Covid tests is around $20. Rosenblum said people are selling at-home tests for inflated prices on websites like eBay, Craiglist and NextDoor.

 Starting Jan. 15, private insurers will have to cover the cost of eight at-home tests per member per month, according to the release.

Report any dubious testing sites or vendors selling at-home tests at inflated prices to the Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or www.OregonConsumer.Gov.

-Saphara Harrell