ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas issued a consumer alert warning New Mexicans about COVID-19 test scams. With more and more people seeking tests, scammers may be exploiting this demand to steal personal, financial, or medical information. New Mexicans should also be aware of reports that certain testing sites are issuing illegitimate “negative” test results without actual testing taking place. Attorney General Balderas asks New Mexicans to remain vigilant when requesting a COVID-19 test—both at a testing site and at home.
“New Mexicans must remain cautious during these very difficult times,” said Attorney General Balderas. “Citizens should ask questions of personnel at a testing site to ensure they are receiving a genuine service.”
Attorney General Balderas warns consumers of several signs of illegitimate, pop-up COVID-19 testing sites:
- The site has no visible affiliation with local medical providers or government entities
- The site is not promptly delivering test results
- Workers on site are seemingly uninformed or confused about the testing process
- Workers on site are unmasked or not following current healthcare guidelines
Anyone who suspects a COVID-19 test-related scam should report it to local law enforcement, or to the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-844-255-9210 or going online to file a complaint at https://www.nmag.gov/file-a-complaint.aspx.