Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Card Scam In NJ: What To Know

NEW JERSEY - The latest coronavirus pandemic-related scam is circulating online, and New Jersey officials are warning residents.

Fake COVID-19 vaccination cards are now being sold en masse, with the FBI issuing a memo last month noting that the production, sale or purchase of fake cards could mean serious trouble for those involved.

Last week, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, 41 other state Attorneys General and 3 AGs from U.S. territories issued a letter to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke and eBay CEO Jamie Iannone regarding the fake vaccination cards being marketed on their platforms. The 47 total AGs called on the major tech companies to crack down on the marketing of misinformation and fake vaccination cards.

"We are deeply concerned about this use of your platforms to spread false and misleading information regarding COVID vaccines. The false and deceptive marketing and sales of fake COVID vaccine cards threaten the health of our communities, slows progress in getting our residents protected from the virus, and are a violation of the laws of many states," the letter reads.

In some cases, thieves are using the images people have posted on social media of their Centers for Disease Control-issued vaccinations cards to sell them online. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh warned residents not to share photos of their card.

"Reminder: Do not post a copy of your #VaccineCard online," Frosh tweeted. "This card has your full name, date of birth, and where and when you got the vaccine. Thieves can use the information on your card to steal your personal information and commit fraud."

The FBI cited that copying government seals (such as that of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention) remains a federal crime and can be punishable under applicable laws.

“If you did not receive the vaccine, do not buy fake vaccine cards, do not make your own vaccine cards, and do not fill in blank vaccination record cards with false information. By misrepresenting yourself as vaccinated when entering schools, mass transit, workplaces, gyms, or places of worship, you put yourself and others around you at risk of contracting COVID-19,” the statement reads.

The AGs demanded that such actions should include monitoring platforms for ads or links, taking down ads or links and preserving records of individuals related to ads or links marketing fraudulent vaccine cards. The letter calls for a response by Friday from the CEOs.

"The use of your platforms to disseminate the deceptive marketing and sales of fake vaccine cards is a threat to residents of our states. As a result, we are asking you to take immediate action to prevent your platforms from being used as a vehicle to commit these fraudulent and deceptive acts that harm our communities.

In the meantime, the FBI “strongly” encourages businesses, schools, places of worship and government agencies to follow CDC guidance and continue to maintain social distancing and use personal protective equipment. Those who have been vaccinated are asked not to post photos of vaccine cards to social media websites to avoid fraud.

With reporting by Max Bennett.