There’s a new federal resource to get free FDA-authorized coronavirus test kits. At COVIDtests.govyou’ll find information about testing and a link to the U.S. Postal Service – special.usps.com/testkits – where you can order up to four rapid tests to be sent to your home address. Or order your kits by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Your kits will be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service within 7 to 12 days.

The tests are completely free. There are no shipping costsand you don’t have to give a credit card or bank account number. You only need to give a name and address. Once you place an orderyou’ll get an order confirmation number. If you give your email addressyou’ll also get an order confirmation email and delivery updates. Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer. Soremember:

• Go to COVIDtests.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to order your free COVID test kits from the federal government. Onlineif you click to orderyou’ll be redirected to special.usps.com/testkits. If you follow a link from a news storydouble-check the URL that shows in your browser’s address bar.
• No one will calltextor email you from the federal government to ask for your information to “help” you order free kits. Only a scammer will contact youasking for information like your credit cardbank accountor Social Security number. Do not respond. Insteadreport it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Please share this information with others and stay connected to stay informed. Subscribe to consumer alerts from the FTC to get updates delivered right to your email inbox.

If you spot a scammer offering COVID test kitstell the FTC about it right away at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Orfile a complaint with your state or territory attorney general at consumerresources.orgthe consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General. Your reports can make a difference by helping us investigatebring law enforcement casesand alert people about what frauds to be on the lookout for so they can protect themselvestheir friendsand family.

Note: This blogoriginally posted on January 192022has been updated to include the toll-free telephone numbers to order test kits.