Crazy things people do for a fake vaccine certificate

Depok, Indonesia. Photo: MTI/EPA/Bagus Indahono

People go the extra mile to get a vaccine certificate without taking the jab. Here are the most creative tricks so far.

Some people just simply refuse to take the vaccine while others wait for their preferred jab to become available. And then there are those creative and irresponsible people who go the extra mile to avoid the jab. This group would do whatever it takes to enjoy the best of both worlds with a fake certificate. One thing, however, is important to consider. These people have the false belief that they can get away with a fake plastic card or QR code but it does not even cross their mind that they can get severely ill. Even though a fake plastic card does provide more freedom, it does not offer any protection against the virus.

But what extreme measures have people taken so far to get the fake certificate?

There is a list of examples. A man in New Zealand received 10 doses of the vaccine after he got paid by others to take the jab instead of them. In the Netherlands, a man sold vials containing the alleged coronavirus on the internet. According to the advertisement, customers could receive the viruses and then get a certificate. The price was about EUR 33 and it allegedly contained all the mutations and variants of the virus. In Italy, a dentist walked into the hospital with an artificial arm to get the vaccine. The nurse naturally discovered the trick and the doctor had to face serious consequences. Eventually, he did take the jab and encouraged others to follow his example of getting vaccinated for real. In Germany, a nurse of the Red Cross gave saline injections instead of the vaccine.- writes Magyar Nemzet.

In the case of Hungary, selling fake vaccine certificates has proven to be a booming business.

In August 2021, Euronews wrote that a fake certificate costs 100,000-200,000 forints (EUR 272-544). In July, three women were caught in Budapest for selling fake certificates for EUR 164. In November, a 41 years old nurse and her 47 years old accomplice helped around 90 people get false certificates for EUR 134.

The price of the fake immunity certificate has seemingly dropped, but the demand is as high as ever. The number of sellers has increased by 257 % since the beginning of 2021. People mainly use WhatsApp or Telegram to sell and buy these false documents. There are about 2,500 groups for such activities. Buyers can pay with crypto currency, but Amazon and eBay gift vouchers are also accepted.