Maryland Attorney General warns of fake COVID-19 testing sites

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Maryland Attorney General now warning that illegal pop-up COVID-19 testing sites not only put people's health at risk but could make them victims of identity theft as well.

There are more than 240 approved testing sites in the state, most of the approved testing sites at places like a hospital, clinic, or drug store.

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said it's unlikely you'll find one that's legit with a testing table set up outside a shopping center, a store or even along side of the road.

Frosch described those are some of the places criminals have set up unlicensed and illegal pop-up COVID-19 testing sites.

Frosch warned these testing sites are not authorized and the people operating them are not following cdc guidelines for collecting, handling, and testing clinical specimens from patients.

“Consumers in need of a COVID-19 test should have it performed at an approved testing site,” said Frosh.

“Providing personal information, such as social security numbers, to individuals hosting one of these pop-up sites not only puts your health at risk, but increases your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft,” Frosh added.

Frosch said unauthorized pop-up testing sites could be a way for identity thieves to trick people into giving out their personal information.

The unauthorized testing sites are collecting personal information from people such as social security numbers, driver’s license information, dates of birth, health insurance information, and even their DNA.

Any or all of that information can be used to steal your identity.

Frosch advised anyone who got tested for COVID-19 from an illegal pop-up site should get tested again from an approved testing site.

A list of approved sites can be found at covidtest.maryland.gov .

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should see a doctor.