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.
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“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.
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