Area Port of Memphis Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel said the agency routinely seizes low-quality, counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination cards.
This fiscal year, Memphis has initiated 121 seizures totaling 3,017 of the fake vaccination cards. The cards regularly contain typographical errors, unfinished words, misspelled Spanish verbiage, and are imported by a non-CDC or medical entity.
“These vaccinations are free and available everywhere,” Michael Neipert, Area Port Director of Memphis, said. “If you do not wish to receive a vaccine, that is your decision. But don’t order a counterfeit, waste my officer’s time, break the law, and misrepresent yourself. CBP Officers at the Area Port of Memphis remain committed to stopping counterfeit smuggling and helping to protect our communities. But just know that when you order a fake vaxx card, you are using my officers’ time as they also seize fentanyl and methamphetamines.”
The FBI has issued public warnings detailing how buying, selling, or using a counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination card is a crime, categorized as the unauthorized use of an official government agency seal.
Officials noted nationwide counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination card recipients and violators face fines and up to five years in prison.