Counterfeit COVID-19 tests, medication being shipped to Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Bogus medical supplies and medication are making it in to Central Florida.

And now, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has set up a robust task force that includes local law enforcement to crack down on the fraudulent items.

Officials told investigative reporter Daralene Jones these packages are being shipped to the U.S. in small packages, some through Orlando International Airport, where there are no long lines at the ticket counters or security checkpoints.

But there's a significant amount of cargo air traffic outside. In fact, executives are considering expanding this side to make up for a more than 90% drop in passenger traffic.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working with other federal agencies and local police to sift through packages stuffed with counterfeit goods coming into the country, including, officials said, 225 shipments of fake COVID-19 test kits.

“Personal protection equipment coming in, pills and other type of non-scheduled drugs,” said David Pezzutti, assistant special agent in charge.

READ: Florida cracks down on price gouging, virus-related fraud

The Department of Homeland Security provided Channel 9 with a few photos that show a shipment of what appears to be hydroxychloroquine pills, which officials say came in from India. The malaria and lupus medication haven’t been proven to treat COVID-19, but researchers and doctors are studying whether it could be used to treat the respiratory virus, and President Donald Trump has touted its use.

“I think we are in unprecedented times and the panic would cause people to do things they wouldn't ordinarily,” Pezzutti said.

Investigators said it starts when people start searching the internet. Officials said they've shut down 11,000 COVID-19 websites and has 130 open investigations. And in some cases, they go after the websites first because, if not, it creates even bigger problems for those falling for the scams and buying these products.

“People install malware onto their computers at home by downloading something for a website or purchasing equipment that doesn't exist. Once that malware is installed, they routinely will empty bank accounts,” Pezzutti said.

So far, officials they have confiscated about $3 million worth of these knockoff products.

Officials have set up a help center for those who may have ordered fraudulent products. They can be emailed at covid19fraud@dhs.gov.

Where can you get tested for coronavirus in Central Florida? WFTV reporter Lauren Seabrook has been keeping a list of the places you can get tested for the virus.

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