An investigation by BC RCMP has led to the seizure of 1,500 unauthorized COVID-19 test kits from a Richmond resident.
Health Canada inspectors and RCMP seized more than 1,500 unauthorized kits from the resident, who had acquired and sold them online without authorization.
However, no charges were laid by the BC RCMP as a result of the seizure.
Only diagnostic tests authorized by Health Canada can be imported or sold in Canada, police reminds. Authorized COVID-19 tests provide accurate and reliable results, whereas unauthorized tests may lead to potential misdiagnosis.
Selling or advertising health products that make false or misleading claims to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure COVID-19 is illegal in Canada, police warns.
Health Canada said it continues to monitor websites for false and misleading claims, and is working with online retailers to ensure that unauthorized products and products making unauthorized claims are removed from their websites.
Canadians who have purchased unauthorized health products should stop using them immediately and consult a health care professional if they have used any of these products and have health concerns.
Health Canada encourages anyone who has information on the potential non-compliant sale or advertising of a health product claiming to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure COVID-19, to report it using the online complaint form.
A COVID-19 Fraud Response Team has been created by BC RCMP to deal with various scams that are coming out during the pandemic.
Canadians are reminded to be extra careful during the pandemic regarding online frauds and scams, says Inspector Lav Mangat, Operations Officer for the BC RCMP Financial Integrity Program.
