A woman was blasted online after trying to sell lateral flow tests in the face of a huge country-wide shortage.
The selfish seller faced backlash after posting in an English community Facebook group offering the tests for £10.
She claimed to have 'large quantities' of the coronavirus tests and even promised next day delivery, while pharmacies across the UK struggle with stocking issues.
Her post garnered angry comments from other members of the group in Bentilee and she has since been banned, according to Stoke-on-Trent Live.
The unscrupulous ploy was exposed as Brits struggle to get their hands on rapid tests after the festive period and as many prepare to return to work and school this week.
Some sellers have been caught trying to flog lateral flow tests for £100 on eBay and marketplace sites in an attempt to make a quick buck.
Despite the sale of such kits being prohibited on these sites, some sellers are trying to get around the rules.
Demand for lateral flows is high following a rise in omicron cases and Prime Minister Boris Johnson had urged people to take a test before meeting up with friends and family or returning to work.
Conservative MP Nigel Mills said: "It is a disgrace that some people would try to exploit a national shortage of tests as a way to make money.
"The online websites and any auction houses should refuse to list the tests for sale.”
The UK Health Security Agency has announced eight million kits will be made available to pharmacies - but many appear to be finding their way online to be sold for profit.
And Health Minister Edward Argar has also moved to reassure the public orders have been ramped up.
He added: "Tests are available. We advise people to keep going on the website to refresh it and they will find that every hour more slots are available for booking one for delivery or for collecting from pharmacies.
“We’ve ramped up supply to reflect that and you’ll continue to see that supply increasing in the coming weeks.”
The Omicron variant sparked countrywide test shortages and delays throughout December.
Its rapid spread could leave up to 1.4 million public sector workers absent, with nearly one in 10 NHS staff already off work at New Year.
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