The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) today warned New Yorkers about the risks of using or
buying fake COVID-19 vaccination cards. As more and more places are requiring
proof of vaccination, scammers are taking advantage of this opportunity by
selling fake verification tools including fake cards, certificates, test
results or even doctors’ notes.
New Yorkers should be aware that buying fake
vaccine cards, making their own or filling the blanks with false information is
illegal and could land them in jail. The vaccines have repeatedly been proven
to be safe.
Opting for a fake vaccination card instead of getting vaccinated is an
unnecessary health – and legal – risk.
“With more companies requiring
proof of vaccination from employees and customers, New Yorkers should be aware
that scammers are hard at work producing fake vaccine cards,” Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said.
“Our Division of Consumer Protection and other law enforcement authorities are
working hard to prevent illegal activities by these scammers that put us all at
risk.”
State Health
Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Our highest priority is helping to
ensure the health and safety of New Yorkers as we work together to combat
COVID-19. Fake vaccination cards are a betrayal of public trust and an
incredible disservice to our communities who have fought diligently to defeat
COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and I encourage all
unvaccinated New Yorkers to get vaccinated. I thank the Department of State for
continuing to raise awareness on the risks of fake vaccine cards and thank them
for their commitment to the safety of New Yorkers.”
State Police
Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “Making or possessing fake COVID-19 vaccination cards are
serious crimes. We are taking this issue very seriously due to the tremendous
risk presented by these false documents. Anyone found to be involved with
forged vaccine cards will be charged and face the legal consequences.”
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) has received several complaints from people reporting cases of possible
fraud related to COVID-19 vaccination. For instance,
a consumer reported receiving counterfeit CDC vaccination cards in a vaccine
card holder ordered online. The order included blank cards that anyone could
forge to mimic authentic CDC vaccination cards. The FTC also received
complaints of websites offering, for a fee, vaccine waivers and medical
exemptions without seeing a doctor. The FTC is investigating these and other
cases of possible vaccine fraud.
To avoid a run in with the law
or being a victim of a crime, the Division of Consumer Protection warns:
- Presenting fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards or test
results can land you in jail. Buying or making
fake vaccine cards or filling in blank cards with false information is
illegal and could lead to fines or even land you in jail.
- The only legitimate way to get proof of vaccination — or a
negative test result — is to GET vaccinated or to TEST negative. If you lose that proof, check with your state health department or your vaccine provider to find out how
to obtain a replacement.
- Protect
your personal information from COVID-19 scams. Scammers
set up fraudulent websites offering fake vaccine appointments or call
people claiming to be COVID-19 surveyors to collect people’s personal
information. Never give out personal information over the phone,
especially if you unexpectedly receive a call asking for it. When
scheduling a vaccine appointment online, schedule it directly through the New York Department of Health
or gov to ensure you’re using a legitimate site.
- Report
Fraud. New Yorkers should report vaccine-related fraud by calling
833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) or emailing STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov.
New Yorkers are
also encouraged to install the NYS Excelsior Pass Wallet app from the Apple
Store or Google Play, or to retrieve their Passes here. Excelsior
Pass and Excelsior Pass Plus are free, secure, voluntary platforms that provide digital
proof or a digital copy of COVID-19 vaccination and/or negative test results.
Passes can be displayed on any smart device or can be printed from any
computer.
About the New York
State Division of Consumer Protection
The New York State Division of
Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist, and empower the State’s consumers.
Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection
at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.
For more consumer protection
information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday,
8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.
The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook
at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.