A Sarasota clinic that sold unapproved COVID-19 test kits will be giving more than $9,000 in refunds to consumers.
A release from the office of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said PrecisionMed Pharmacy sent more than 1,000 text messages to people living in the Tampa Bay area, selling at-home test kits for $85 each.
More than 100 people bought the tests without knowing the kits were not approved for at-home use.
Moody said her consumer protection team took swift action to protect people from being ripped off.
CORONAVIRUS: Complete Coverage From WUSF And Health News Florida
“COVID-19 tests are a vital tool in helping Floridians protect their health and reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus,” said Moody. “We must ensure that consumers who are seeking a test aren’t misled or ripped off by products that are not effective or approved for use at home.”
In addition to a full refund, PrecisionMed agreed to pay $5,000 in civil penalties and stop offering the kits for at-home use.
Moody’s office said the investigation uncovered additional leads involving the selling of in-home test kits in Florida and PrecisionMed is cooperating with an ongoing investigation.
The test kits were never delivered to either the company or any buyers.
Copyright 2020 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7. To see more, visit . 9(MDAyMTYyMTU5MDEyOTc4NzE4ODNmYWEwYQ004))
