In a time marked by uncertainty, as the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads across the United States, many businesses are mandating proof of vaccination for both employees and customers. This requirement leaves some individuals who opt against vaccination in a dilemma: adhere to their beliefs or succumb to pressure. Unfortunately, for some, the solution has been unethical. The black market for fake vaccination cards has seen a notable increase, prompting law enforcement to intercept these illicit goods.
According to reports, federal agents have confiscated thousands of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination cards at a port in Memphis. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials announced the seizure of 3,017 fake cards that arrived from China, which were en route to New Orleans. Many of these cards were found to contain spelling errors, with some inaccuracies in the Spanish translations on the reverse side.
The rise in fake vaccination cards has alarmed lawmakers, leading Sen. Sam Johnson to urge the CBP to collaborate with the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat this issue. He has called on the Justice Department to prioritize investigations into counterfeit vaccination cards and suggested that the CBP enhance its measures to detect such contraband upon arrival in the U.S. “If you choose not to get vaccinated, that’s your right. But don’t resort to ordering a fake card, wasting our officers’ time, and violating the law,” stated Tom Mitchell, Area Port Director in Memphis. “When you engage in this illegal activity, you are diverting resources from more pressing matters, like seizing dangerous drugs.”
Some social media users have likened falsifying vaccination status in a pandemic to domestic terrorism. In California, a homeopathic physician recently faced charges of wire fraud and making false healthcare statements after allegedly selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and pellets to patients. This case marks a significant prosecution in the realm of fraudulent COVID-19 documentation, with the doctor potentially facing up to 25 years in prison and hefty fines if convicted.
The CBP has emphasized the serious legal repercussions of buying, selling, or using counterfeit vaccination cards featuring official government seals, such as those from the CDC or HHS. Engaging in such acts could lead to fines and even imprisonment for up to five years.
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In summary, the illegal trade of counterfeit vaccination cards has surged alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant law enforcement actions and legal consequences for those involved. As officials intensify efforts to curb this trend, the message is clear: the risks of engaging in such fraudulent activities far outweigh any perceived benefits.