Move over fake IDs. The new illicit social currency is fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, and a California bar owner has been busted for selling them.
Todd Anderson, the owner of the Old Corner Saloon in Clements, sold the fake cards to undercover agents multiple times, prosecutors said.
The phony pandemic passports allegedly fetched only $20, according to officials.
Anderson “was in possession of a number of other unfilled out COVID-19 vaccination cards, a laminating machine, laminate and several other cards that were finished,” said Luke Blehm with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
“And it appears that they were waiting to be given to people.”
Anderson is charged with identity theft, forging government documents, and falsifying medical records, prosecutors said.
The Stockton-area bar could also have its license suspended or revoked, according to officials.
“It is disheartening to have members in our community show flagrant disregard for public health in the midst of a pandemic,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar said.
