BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Erie County District Attorney John Flynn issued a warning Friday on possessing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards.
Flynn said anyone who is knowingly in possession of a fake COVID-19 vaccine card and presents it with the intent to deceive can be charged with a felony offense.
The district attorney's office said the warning was issued as local colleges and universities require students to provide proof of vaccination to live on campus and attend in-person learning.
Criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree is a possible charge for possessing a fake vaccine card. It is a class “D” felony and the maximum sentence is up to 7 years in prison.
“If you have a fake vaccine card, you can be prosecuted by my office. 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,” said Flynn.
