With companies starting to mandate vaccinated patrons only and businesses forcing their employees to get vaccinated, citizens are looking for a way around the forced vaccination mandates. Fake vaccination cards are starting to become more prevalent.
Earlier this month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the seizure of more than 3,000 fake vaccine cards.
Brooke Brennan with the Tucson Bureau of the FBI says the number of incidents involving fake cards seems to be growing.
“We’re just warning the public about the dangers of the fraudulent COVID-19 fake cards and other COVID scams,” Brennan said. “We really want people to notice it, and if they see an individual or website selling COVID-19 vaccine cards that they need to report it to us.”
Fake vaccinations cards have become available for purchase online and advertised through social media. The National Association of Attorneys General recently sent a letter to the CEOs of Twitter, Shopify and eBay asking them to monitor and take down ads for fake cards.
Others have found their way to the so-called “dark web” for access to fake proof of vaccination.
“We’re seeing these reports all across the country, so we really want to get ahead of it and try to make sure people are aware,” Brennan said.
On average, the cards can cost buyers between $100 to $120 dollars each.
Officials have also issued a warning to those vaccinated from posting their cards on social media. Those that have done so should delete their posts immediately.
“That card has your name, date of birth, what vaccine you got, where you got it and sometimes your insurance information,” Brennan said.
Those caught buying, selling or using fake cards can face $5,000 in fines and up to five years in prison for unauthorized use of a government agency seal.
“Overall, if you didn’t get the vaccine, don’t buy a fake vaccine card, don’t make fake vaccine cards and don’t fill in blank vaccine cards with fake information,” Brennan said.
To report sites selling fake vaccine cards, visit the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
FBI COMPLAINT LINKS:
https://www.ic3.gov/media/y2021/psa210330
