As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spread, the demand for tests skyrocketed. Unfortunately, some people are using the pandemic to commit crimes, including identity theft. Sadly, some of those fake sites and scammers ended up in Lynwood and the surrounding communities.
Beware of fake testing sites. Before you give ANY information at a testing site, make sure it is legitimate – check https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/
A legitimate testing site will:
- NEVER ask for money up front
- NEVER ask for your Social Security number
- NEVER ask for your immigration status
In the past couple of weeks, the City of Lynwood has closed six pop-up testing sites. Additionally, the City has received six permit applications to operate testing sites – to receive a permit, the company must prove that they are a legitimate testing site.
“We have been emphasizing to the city staff and our residents the importance of identifying and policing Covid testing units in our community to make sure that our residents are going to reputable outlets,” said Lynwood City Manager Ernie Hernandez. “We will continue to aggressively monitor the situation.”
If you think you may have taken a test at a fake testing site, you can report them to Los Angeles County Public Health at: 800-593-8222 or visit https://buff.ly/3fZc5CV. You can also call Lynwood City Hall to report a suspected fake site and code compliance will investigate.
AVAILABLE AND LEGITIMATE TESTING SITES AND AT-HOME ACCESS TO TESTS
You can also receive free at-home COVID-19 tests (four per household) through the US government. Order the tests through: https://special.usps.com/testkits
The Lynwood Library is offering COVID-19 self-testing kits for pick-up and drop-off on the following days/times:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 10am to 5pm
Tuesdays from 12pm to 6pm
Free COVID-19 tests are available every Friday from 9am to 4pm at the Lynwood City Hall Annex Parking Lot.
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