LA Officials Crack Down on Fake COVID-19 Tests, Price Gouging

A Negative result is shown from a take-home Covid-19 test kit in Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2022. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

As demand for COVID-19 tests soars with the spread of the Omicron variant, Los Angeles officials are cracking down on fraudulent COVID-19 tests and price gouging for the tests.

COVID-related schemes on the rise include exchanging fake or unauthorized at-home tests in exchange for personal or medical information; other scammers often engaged in price gouging, or selling tests at unreasonably high prices.