DNA Testing

Overview

DNA ancestry testing offers a fascinating way to explore any individual’s distant past, discover fascinating details about a person’s background and discover where one’s genetic roots stem from.
A simple test can help anyone dig into his or her ancestry, genetic heritage and family history and come up with in-depth information about their origin.

The initial process with most services works similarly.
The user answers a few questions about himself, orders the famous kit, collects the sample from the comfort of his home, registers the kit, ships it back to the company and waits patiently for the results.

After a few weeks, as soon as the genetic sample is analyzed in the company’s lab, the results become available to the customer online.
Each service provides its variety of features and reports, which may include:

• Autosomal DNA testing
• Y chromosome analysis
• Mitochondrial DNA analysis (mtDNA)
• Ethnic heritage analysis
• Paternal / maternal genealogy
• Relative matching
• Neanderthal results
• Family tree integration
• Raw data download/upload
• Genetic health insights

Other than genealogy research junkies and history buffs, who are naturally attracted to this type of DNA test, other audiences use this service, such as people who want to identify and connect with relatives or individuals who wish to obtain unique health information.

Consumer Tips: How to Avoid DNA Testing Scams Online

Just like any other sector that involves consumers, businesses, and money that switches hands, the home DNA testing market also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters and poor quality service providers that operate online and look for potential victims.
Scammers use a variety of illegal, unethical or dishonest ways to trick people who want to uncover their family history.

Some companies sell cheap home testing kits, but without transparently disclosing that the price includes no lab processing, DNA analysis or actual results, for which they may charge a much higher fee, compared to the prices of reputable players on the market.

Other low-end services provide analysis, but with too little, too general, unreliable, overly vague or incorrect information.
Some fraudulent companies issue fake ancestry reports with a false DNA profile that makes no sense.

Certain providers have terrible customer service, may miss promised deadlines by months or do not respond to customer calls and emails.

Taking these steps will help you find more credible and reliable companies to use:

Check: Can You Keep The DNA Data for Future Use?

Choose a company that lets you download the raw genetic data generated from the DNA test for free.
This is important since it enables you to use this data at other websites.

Verify: How Safe is Your Data?

What is the company’s privacy policy regarding personal DNA data? Can the customer’s data be transferred and shared by the company with other parties in certain circumstances?
Read the provider’s terms and get clear answers to these questions before using the service.

Investigate the DNA Testing Company’s BBB Record

Check the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate business that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere.

Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile.
Also, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation.

If the website is not even listed with the BBB, this is a very bad sign.
On the other hand, if the genetic genealogy testing provider is certified as a BBB Accredited Business, it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when ordering goods and services on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general.
Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.