Consumers have been warned of dodgy sellers of COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits now the tests have been cleared for sale in Western Australia.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe said scammers were setting up fake websites, or were selling unapproved self-testing kits that did not work, and extreme caution was needed, particularly if buying online.
“Consumers should only purchase RAT kits that are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration,” Mr Newcombe said.
“Overseas experience suggests that desperate consumers experiencing supply shortages are buying home-testing kits from unknown websites and, if they do receive anything, it is often a kit that does not provide accurate results,” he said.
Mr Newcombe said using fake products that gave false negative results increased the risk of people unknowingly spreading the virus or not getting the appropriate treatment.
“Apart from the risk of losing money, consumers purchasing these dodgy kits online may be the target of identity theft by providing personal and financial information to criminals,” he said.
“There are also websites selling bogus COVID-19 vaccines and treatments that consumers need to avoid and they should rely only on the advice of local medical professionals.”
The Commissioner recommended paying with a credit card or via PayPal so there was an opportunity for a charge back if the product did not arrive.
“Consumers should also be aware that the Commonwealth Government has placed a limit on the price mark-up of the test kits,” Mr Newcombe said.
