Google searches for phony COVID-19 vaccination cards spiked in New York and nationally after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that inoculated Americans can ditch masks in most settings, according to the search giant’s trends data.
More people typed “fake covid card” into the search engine on May 13 — shortly after the CDC eased restrictions on masking-up inside — than on any other day this year, data show.
The terms “fake covid card” and “fake covid vaccine card” surged by 950 percent and 1,150 percent, respectively, on May 13, according to Forbes, which was first to report the disturbing trend.
The term “buy covid vaccine card” also soared in Pennsylvania, New York and Texas after the announcement.
More searches for the term “fake vaccine card” happened in the Empire State on May 14 than on any other day in the past three months, with the Albany area leading the way, according to Google Trends data.
The black market for bogus record cards was already booming as early as April, according to reports at the time.
Just last week, a former Long Island CVS worker was charged with possessing forged cards that police allege he stole from his job and planned to distribute to family and friends.
And in recent weeks, several templates and instructions for creating and buying fake cards have popped up online, according to Forbes.
An increasing number of businesses and events now require people to show proof of vaccination before being allowed to shed their masks indoors — or sometimes even enter at all. Dozens of universities, airlines and employers have also said they will require proof of vaccination.
On May 13, the CDC announced that inoculated Americans can stop wearing masks and social distancing in most indoor settings — but the guidelines largely rely on the honor system and private businesses for enforcement.