'Don't Buy, Make Or Alter Vaccine Cards': CA Issues Stern Warning

CALIFORNIA — A bar owner in California was arrested earlier this month and charged with multiple felonies in connection with the sale of fake coronavirus vaccination cards. If convicted, he faces jail time.

That prompted California officials on Wednesday to remind residents that fabricating vaccination records is a federal and state crime.

Newly appointed state Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning Wednesday afternoon.

"We are aware of reports that counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination record cards have been advertised on social media websites, e-commerce platforms and blogs as a way for individuals to misrepresent themselves as vaccinated," Bonta said. "These counterfeit records undermine the health and safety of Californians and are also illegal. I advise you to get your COVID-19 vaccination and the authentic vaccination record that reflects you were vaccinated."

Californians should not print or purchase counterfeit coronavirus vaccination record cards as it violates state and federal law, he said.

"Please do not purchase a fraudulent record, do not make your own, and do not fill in blank vaccination record cards with false information," he said.

California also warned residents not to post photos of vaccination cards on social media.

The FBI in late March also warned Americans against selling fake vaccination cards.

"Because individuals may use fake vaccine cards to misrepresent themselves as vaccinated, we strongly encourage businesses, schools, places of worship, and government agencies to follow [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance and continue to maintain social distancing and use personal protective equipment,” the announcement said.

Todd Anderson, 59, the owner of a small-town bar in California's Central Valley, was arrested on suspicion of selling fake coronavirus vaccination cards earlier this month.

Undercover agents with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control went to Old Corner Saloon in the city of Clements several times in April and bought what they said were fake laminated vaccination cards for $20 each, officials said.

ABC agents arrested Anderson, and he was charged with three felonies, including identity theft, forging government documents and carrying an unregistered firearm, according to the beverage control agency.

In addition, Anderson was charged with falsifying medical records, a misdemeanor. The beverage control agency is also investigating another employee of the saloon.

"It is disheartening to have members in our community show flagrant disregard for public health in the midst of a pandemic," San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar said. "Distributing, falsifying or purchasing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards is against the law and endangers yourself and those around you."

The agency said it will also file disciplinary action against the bar. "Disciplinary action can include a suspension or revocation of the ABC license," ABC agents said in a statement.