“They are very easy to rip off. As the need for COVID vaccines grows, so do fake vaccination cards



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(WXYZ) – Employers, universities and businesses are demanding that people get vaccinated against COVID-19. The process is simple, just provide the CDC vaccination card. But for those who are not vaccinated, they might be tempted to pretend.

And it can be easily done.

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Federal officials here in the Detroit metro area say it could become a major problem, particularly with tens of thousands of students returning to class.

The University of Michigan, the State of Michigan, Wayne State and others require that students be vaccinated to be on campus.

“It’s mandatory, but I have mine so it’s okay,” said WSU student Alyson Orosky.

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WSU officials say students must submit a photo of their CDC vaccination cards online through the student portal.

In the past two weeks alone, we’ve seen a major backlash against employers, including hospital systems demanding that employees be vaccinated to keep their jobs. Exceptions are granted for religious or health reasons.

“That’s a tricky question. I happen to be very pro-vaccine, so I don’t really… have anything to do with someone who doesn’t want a vaccine, and I don’t want my kids to have anything. whether to do with someone who doesn’t want a vaccine. That said (…) the government cannot force anyone to do anything, let alone take a vaccine, “said Anjeli Prasad, a former federal prosecutor.

But there is always another way.

Authorities are warning people not to search the Internet for blank vaccination cards and commit fraud.

“We have seen a 300% increase over what was available in December,” said a representative for cybersecurity firm Check Point.

According to Check Point, this is a listing on the dark web offering a fake vaccine card for $ 150.

And to avoid being traced, the seller uses the cryptocurrency for payment.

The sales pitch: Not everyone will want to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and we provide proof of having been vaccinated.

“I heard this and thought it was just ripe for abuse, because my kid can make this vaccine card in our basement, they are very easy to rip off,” Prasad said.

Federal authorities have issued warnings this is a major crime. Fines of several thousand dollars and up to 5 years in prison, or both.

“I don’t think all of a sudden the federal government is going to start cracking down on the fake vaccine cards, I mean they kind of have their hands full with the fake vaccines, do they, and with the people who steal COVID money, “Prasad said.

But a major federal case has just broken out in northern California based on patient advice. The federal government intervened on a doctor who sold a granule method of homeopathic profalaxis of a COVID vaccine.

Patients are said to be exposed to a diluted amount of COVID in the lozenges for a few days, and the claim was to accumulate antibodies. The treatment has been sold for use by adults, children and even babies, according to the 23-page federal complaint.

Patients who purchased this treatment for up to $ 150 were then given a COVID vaccine card.

This doctor further claimed that FDA-approved vaccines used around the world contain toxic elements.

“I’m not surprised that something like this happened. I’m surprised it took so long,” said doctor’s neighbor Ethan Gladner.

Back here, no known cases of fake vaccination cards.

But WSU told us that cards submitted by students are not verified. They are on the honor system. Students who get caught face school penalties.

“COVID compliance falls under the code of conduct for students. So if someone is caught in the act, they will just have to go through the process through the student bureau, ”said Brandon Shamoun, WSU student engagement coordinator.

We contacted Michigan State University and the University of Michigan to see if they verify the information on the vaccination card. We haven’t had any feedback yet.



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