LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning Arkansans about fake Covid-19 vaccine cards as the state experiences another wave of positive Covid-19 cases. Con artists have been creating fake vaccine cards to provide to unvaccinated individuals, which is illegal, and charges could be filed by the federal government.
“No one should be forced to get the Covid-19 vaccine; it is about personal responsibility. I encourage all Arkansans to get the facts about the vaccine and talk to your doctor to make the best decision for yourself and your family,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Selling and providing fake vaccine cards is illegal and wrong and I will hold anyone who does this accountable.”
Attorney General Rutledge has provided the following tips from the Federal Trade Commission to protect Arkansans from fake vaccine cards and con artists:
If you get the vaccine, you will receive a Covid-19 card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you do not have the vaccine, you will not get an official CDC Covid-19 vaccine card.
Be skeptical of anyone contacting you from the federal government. Right now, there are no official plans to create a national vaccine verification app or certificate or passport. If you get a call, email, or text from someone saying they’re from the federal government, and asking you for personal information or money to get a national vaccine certificate or passport, that’s a scam.
Check with airlines, cruise lines, and event venues about their requirements. Don’t rely on information from someone who calls, texts, or emails you out of the blue.
Get information from well-known or government sources and websites that end in .gov. Resources include the CDC and the Arkansas Department of Health.
The Attorney General’s Office has created a page that links to state and federal government resource pages for Covid-19 at ArkansasAG.gov/COVID-19-resources. Contact the office with any questions or concerns at (800) 482-8982, [email protected] or visit ArkansasAG.gov.