China News Service, February 14. According to Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao, the U.S. has seen a surge in confirmed cases due to the rampant mutant strain of Omicron, which has led to an increase in public demand for new coronavirus testing. However, many state governments have warned that local There have been many fake new coronavirus testing stations suspected of fraud and theft of personal data.
In recent weeks, attorneys general in New Mexico, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, Florida, Minnesota, California, Illinois, Colorado and Washington have reportedly shut down or prosecuted some local coronavirus cases inspection station.
Data map: A "drive-thru" new coronavirus testing station set up at the Alemany Farmers Market in San Francisco, California, provides testing services to citizens.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Liu Guanguan
"Across California, many fake COVID-19 testing sites have sprung up to steal testers' home and personal data," California Attorney General Bonta said in a statement last month.
Reports suggest that operators of these illegal testing stations may want to obtain personal information of test subjects, such as credit card, driver's license and social welfare card information, in order to steal their identities or make illegal online purchases.
Some illegal testing sites may also claim to test for the coronavirus for the uninsured, try to charge the government, or charge consumers for tests that should be provided for free, and then provide false test results, or not provide test results at all .
Illinois Attorney General Raoul also issued a statement in January saying that the fake testing sites are not licensed or regulated by government agencies, and urged people to check before going to testing sites, or go to state sponsorship if possible. testing stations for testing.