BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Erie County District Attorney is issuing a warning to residents about fake COVID-19 vaccination cards.
This warning comes as many local colleges welcome back students as they move in ahead of the fall semester. And with some local colleges and universities requiring students to show proof of their vaccination status in order to return to in-person learning, we're hearing that fake vaccine cards are popping up on campus.
Students may want to think twice because selling, buying or using a fake vaccine card can lead to a serious criminal charge.
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn says anyone who is in possession of a forged vaccine card could be charged with a felony offense.
Someone who is knowingly in possession of a falsified COVID-19 vaccine card could be charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a class D felony. If convicted, an individual could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
"If you have a fake vaccine card, you can be prosecuted by my office," Flynn said. "While I do not want young adults who are attending college to pursue their dreams to become involved in the criminal justice system, it is a crime to present a falsified document. I want students to enjoy their college experience while being safe as COVID-19 still remains a public health concern."