is Creating Fake Covid Vaccine certificate crime?

India has precedented the largest vaccination drive in the world since its initiation on January 16, 2021. As the campaign garnered momentum, it has also resulted in the distribution of several fake vaccination certificates that have raised a question on the credibility of such documentation. Certain skeptics and anti-vaxxers across the country have resorted to doctored COVID-19 vaccination certificates to prove their inoculation. Regardless of any individual’s idealogy, a fake vaccine certificate only invites trouble.

If You are Vaccinated, you can download the COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate easily and that certificate is valid.

Repercussions of fake COVID vaccine certificate 

The Indian government has been strict about the rules and regulations against people who are using fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates for travel, event attendance, employment, and other personal affairs. The government has also issued a warning to people suggesting it is not only immoral to put the safety of the public at risk but also illegal. Here is what you need to know about the fake COVID-19 vaccine certifications – 

  • It is illegal to buy or sell a document that bears a forged replica of a government agency’s seal. 
  • Carrying a doctored certificate suggesting a complete vaccination for personal affairs is considered illegal, and you are prone to fine and legal sentences. 
  • Several websites that offer fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates are not to be entertained as they can lead to strong penalties and even jail sentences.
  • In case you are not able to produce your COWIN certificate for complete vaccination, several organizations or state governments have made it mandatory to produce a negative RT-PCR report that is conducted within 24 hours.

Read This – How to download the COVID-19 vaccine certificate?

How to know if your vaccine certificate is legit?

However, some people unintentionally come across a situation that may present them with a fake vaccination certificate. They may not discover the authenticity of their document until an unfortunate encounter by the respective authority. If you possess a COVID-19 fully vaccinated certificate, here is how you can check if it is not a fake – 

  • Visit the official website of COWIN at cowin.gov.in or open the Aarogya Setu app and enter your registered mobile number. 
  • A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your phone. Enter the pin and navigate to the certification tab to open your QR code.
  • Open your camera to scan the digital code. An authentic vaccination certificate will appear, indicating your Certificate has been successfully verified. 
  • If your certificate is fake, then ‘certificate invalid’ will appear.

Fake vaccination certificates have become a full-fledged business in India that is not only putting people at risk but also prolonging the pandemic. At times like these, it is important to stand against such elements and put the good of society before personal benefits.

Also, Read-
How to request a correction in the vaccine certificate?
All You Need To Know About Fake Covid Vaccination Certificate?
How to verify the CoWIN vaccination certificate?
Vaccination Certificate VS Vaccination Certificate for International Travel? Is it Mandatory?

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