In the time that’s passed since 2019, most of the world became familiar with how to avoid Covid-19 exposure and the effectiveness of vaccines. Early-pandemic toilet paper hoarding and stockpiling eventually gave way to more sensible activity. A lesser known development is that with the Covid-19 pandemic in full swing, many criminals saw an opportunity to sell counterfeits in a new, high demand and low supply environment. Shady pperations starting putting out fake coronavirus test kits, fake medicines, forged vaccination certificates, and fake Covid-19 rapid tests, all without anti-counterfeiting measures. Many confused and frightened people were sold back alley medicines, including some that were obviously not meant for human consumption, like veterinary Ivermectin. The results have not been ideal and in many cases they were fatal.
FDA warns about counterfeiting medicines and fake test kits amid a dearth of anti-counterfeiting solutions
Fake Covid-19 tests and fraudulent vaccines were sold amid unexpected challenges for governments and communities around the world. Anti-counterfeiting tech is the answer.
“While we remain vigilant to protect our families and communities from COVID-19, some people might be tempted to buy or use questionable products that claim to help diagnose, treat, cure, and even prevent coronavirus disease.”
‘Beware of Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments’ – FDA.gov
As more problems with misinformation and counterfeit medical supplies accumulated, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration promoted a campaign to help people spare themselves from criminal fraud and counterfeit items. The campaign focused on educating the public to beware of items peddled without FDA approval and included explanations of methods for spotting the fake coronavirus test kits, fake medicines, fake treatments, and even fake vaccines.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency also released their own statement detailing the interception of a package labeled “Purified Water Vials”. The contents of the package included vials filled with white liquid bearing a label that read “Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19)” and “Virus1 Test Kit”. Counterfeiting operations work furtively and exceptionally quickly, but it’s often difficult to really understand their effectiveness without a tangible example. The case revealed by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol was very interesting, although obviously terrible.
“This significant interception, at a time when the U.S. is in the midst of a National Emergency, demonstrates our CBP officers’ vigilance and commitment to ensure dangerous goods are intercepted and not a threat to our communities and our people.”
Carlos Martel, Field Operations Director, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
Scantrust has expertise and specialized technology for anti-counterfeiting that is designed to integrate into existing production lines and quickly implemented. We invite producers and distributors of medical supplies, including coronavirus test kits, treatments, and personal protective equipment, to walk the extra mile and invest in adding robust anti-counterfeiting features, to their products. Applying anti-counterfeiting measures to goods and products critical to managing a crisis during a pandemic or other disaster can be done in several different ways, all of which we can help you assess and cost.
If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to us for a consultation and discovery meeting. We’re ready to help and you will probably be surprised at how anti-counterfeiting has a notable return on your company’s investment.
Read more about the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and their report on intercepting fake test kits.
Read the FDA article on counterfeit COVID-19 test kits and fraudulent vaccines and treatments.