Amy Love

Business Editor

aml7458@psu.edu

On the social media app Instagram, a user with the handle @AntiVaxMomma sold fake vaccines cards to those who were willing to pay. Better known as Jasmine Clifford, the Instagram user is being charged in court for criminal possession of forged instruments and conspiracy due to her market of illegitimate vaccine cards.

Clifford had two offers from potential buyers to purchase vaccine cards.Clifford was asking for $200 for the vaccination card and $250 for the vaccination card plus being entered into the New York vaccination database.

Clifford had a ‘partner’ in this business.Nadayza Barkley conspired with Clifford and was able to enter customers into the New York vaccination database. She had access to the system due to her job in a medical clinic . Barkley is also facing the same charges as Clifford. 

Although it is not just the sellers who are facing the consequences, it is also the customers. 13 people are being charged due to the purchase of the forged cards, many of whom are rumoured to be healthcare workers. It was said that approximately 250 cards were sold, so there is a possibility of more individuals facing criminal charges. 

It was discovered that Facebook, the corporation that owns Instagram, had recently taken down this account, however Clifford had a back-up account that she directed her followers to. The account handle was @antivaxmomma2 and her bio said “DM for religious exemptions letters.” 

A person on TikTok with the username @tizzyent, whose real name is Michael (he requested his last name not be published), essentially went undercover after discovering a post of Clifford’s looking to recruit more healthcare workers who had computer access. He then reached out, posing as a Walgreens employee. 

Clifford promptly messaged him and allegedly mentioned that she had someone in New York entering names into the vaccination database and that they were making about $10,000 a week from doing so. Michael then reported Clifford to the FBI and was informed that they were already investigating. 

Recently, New York City released a mandate that in order to participate in the majority of activities in New York City, such as indoor dining or going to the gym, proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is required. A possible motive for selling cards or wanting to acquire a fake one could have been sparked due to this mandate.