As the delta variant spreads across the United States and more places are requiring proof of being vaccinated, more people are using fake COVID-19 vaccination cards to gain access to restaurants, gyms, schools, and businesses. However, state and federal authorities are cracking down on individuals creating and selling these fraudulent documents. 

In recent months, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized over 3,000 fake vaccine cards. In early August, a South Florida couple was caught and arrested for attempting to use fake vaccine cards for themselves and their children—who were both too young to even be vaccinated—during a trip to Hawaii. 

False vaccination cards are available for purchase online or on social media at an average cost of between $25 and $100. Recently, the National Association of Attorneys General sent a letter to the CEOs of eBay, Shopify, and even Twitter asking them to monitor and remove ads for fake cards. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) states that making or purchasing a fake vaccination card is considered an unauthorized use of a government agency seal, which is a federal crime that carries a prison sentence of up to five years and/or a maximum fine of $5,000. Falsifying a vaccination card is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine of up to $5,000. 

Additionally, state and federal authorities can also charge those who use, buy, or sell fake vaccine cards with embezzlement and theft of public money, property, or record—punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine—as well as wire fraud, which carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine. 

If you have been charged with a federal crime in Miami, do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. today at (305) 400-0074 for a free consultation. Nearly two decades of trial-tested experience in federal courts throughout Florida!