Updated August 16th, 2021 at 19:50 IST

Here's all you need to know about fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates scam

Experts at a cybersecurity firm reveal that anti-vaccination groups on social media sites refer individuals to Telegram groups for fake vaccination cards.

Reported by: Anwesha Majumdar
Image Credit: Representative Image | Image:self
Advertisement

After several months of lockdowns and various restrictions, offices and companies have finally reopened for business. As a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak, several employers require evidence of inoculation from their workplaces. The matter is that it is not problematic for those who have already received their vaccination doses. However, some sceptical and anti-vaccination persons worldwide have the challenge of proving evidence that they have been immunised.  These individuals are looking for phoney vaccination certificates in an attempt to save their employment. A percentage of these people responded to an international media organisation's recent inquiry with comments that offer insight into why individuals are seeking fake evidence that they have received the COVID vaccine. 

Amid the pandemic, many universities and other institutions and businesses and companies are looking for evidence of immunisation from their students and workers, respectively. Furthermore, there is a restriction on who can enter the workplace or university with COVID-19 vaccination certificates. This is because certain people take advantage of the system. 

Yet, strangely, a vast number of individuals have confessed that their refusal to get inoculated with several of the accessible COVID-19 vaccinations was not based on a genuine medical purpose. People are looking for these phoney vaccination certificates for a variety of other reasons. 

Some people feel they need to be ready since additional limitations are approaching, so they may need soon to acquire everyday necessities like groceries and medications from stores and marketplaces. Whereas some others feel the vaccination may have a negative side effect that significantly influences their health. 

Buying or selling a document with a counterfeit duplicate of a government agency's seal is prohibited and illegal. But experts at cybersecurity firm Check Point reveal that anti-vaccination groups on Facebook and other related social media sites have been referring individuals to Telegram groups that provide fraudulent vaccination cards and certificates. 

Incident of fake vaccine certificate 

A similar incident has surfaced in France, where several phoney Snapchat profiles provide false COVID-19 health certificates. These forged vaccine certificates are being distributed to French individuals who do not wish to get vaccinated against the coronavirus but wish to use COVID-19 health permits. 

Since last month, France authorised requiring individuals to get a health pass while visiting pubs, restaurants, and cultural venues with more than 50 people convene. This health pass will also include permission for attending big shopping malls or travel by specific forms of transportation that must prove that they have been appropriately vaccinated against COVID-19, that they have healed from the virus, or that they have tested negative.  

Image Credit: Representative Image

Advertisement

Published August 16th, 2021 at 19:50 IST