GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Vaccine passports – digital records of an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status – are on their way. But it’ll be important to know when and where you actually need them.
“We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but they might be required to be admitted to a sporting event or concert, or to board a plane or enter a foreign country,” said Susan Bach of the Better Business Bureau.
But Bach says to be wary of any virtual passport apps claiming to be issued by the government.
“We do know that there are private companies that are actively working on developing these apps. We know that they’re already being used in limited ways here in the United States,” Bach said. “The US federal government has no plans to create a national vaccine passport, so any emails, texts, or requests stating that it’s required from the government is likely a scammer.”
So as you’re looking to attend a sporting event or the first concert in over a year, Bach says to take a close look at the rules put in place by the company in charge.
“Do your research and check with that company directly to see if they are, indeed, required – and what is the official link or way you can download that required app,” Bach said. “Ignore any kind of request out of the blue saying it’s required. You really need to do research up front.”
Red flags would include anyone posing as the federal government saying the passport is required – as they are not currently required. If you’re asked about anything other than proof vaccination status or a negative test – like your social security number, Medicare number, any kind of health plan information – that’s also a red flag.
As for people who aren’t keen on being vaccinated, Bach says it’s important not to pretend you are just to get where you want to go.
“Please don’t misrepresent yourself as being vaccinated when you’re not, because that puts everybody else at risk,” Bach said. “We’re really urging people not to pretend they’ve had the vaccination or buy fradulent vaccination cards. That really undermines the effort to vaccinate the population and slow the spread.”
More information about avoiding COVID-19 vaccine passport scams, head to BBB.org.
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