As the demand for COVID-19 testing rises across the Valley, health officials are warning people of fake at-home test kits being sold online. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fake and unauthorized at-home testing kits are popping up online as scammers take advantage of the spike in demand and drop in supply. 

Officials at the South Texas Health System say the fake test kit scam could lead to more people in hospitals. 

"You get a [fake] test; it says you're negative. You go out— [and] in fact, you're positive. You could be spreading the virus up to seven [or] eight days," said Shawn Kendrick, a registered nurse at STHS McAllen Medical Emergency Room. "About 70% of the patients in the emergency room right now are actually COVID patients, and they are very sick."

If you purchased an at-home test kit online, or are in the market for one, visit the FDA's website to see a list of authorized testing kits. 

Health experts urge people to check the expiration date for testing kits and report any fraudulent activity. 

Watch the video above for the full story.