Authorities are warning of a fresh and specific increase in counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination cards on the online market, according to a new law enforcement bulletin obtained by ABC News.
A blank template imitating the CDC-issued COVID-19 vaccination record card has been circulating on various social media platforms, including an anti-vaccine Telegram channel, the internal notice says.
These blank cards can be downloaded, printed and filled out in order to gain entry where proof of vaccination is required, and to “satisfy employer vaccine mandates,” according to the notice.
This latest warning comes just as ABC News has reported exclusively that federal health officials are seeing an alarming rise in the demand for these fraudulent cards, which cyber experts and federal officials are are concerned is a burgeoning and rapidly evolving market.
The illicit niche industry for forged cards is hitting its stride just as new vaccine requirements are rapidly being implemented at the federal, state and local levels and in both the public and private sectors — requiring proof of inoculation in order to work at a hospital, teach or attend school, work out at the gym, or eat inside a restaurant.
Despite new policies and FDA full approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, some hesitant Americans still refuse to be vaccinated.
For enterprising fraudsters, the fresh demand presents a ripe opportunity.
In this latest bulletin, social posts and law enforcement source information indicate that criminal actors in the Philadelphia area are “profiting from the production of these cards” and “selling the counterfeit cards through online and in-person sales.”
“The PDF being shared on local Telegram channels offers limitless access to counterfeit vaccination cards,” authorities warn.
“The use of fraudulent cards may have a significant impact on public health, especially in compact and vulnerable communities like academic institutions and healthcare facilities,” the bulletin warns, reminding those who profit from or use these fake cards may face prison time or hefty fines.
-ABC News’ Aaron Katersky and Sasha Pezenik