Free of charge, people opposed to the vaccine mandate were ironically required to enter their personal health information on the unsecured site, leaving their details highly vulnerable to theft.The website, which has now been taken down, asked users to fill out a form with personal details, including their individual healthcare identifier number (IHI) to generate a replica of the Covid immunisation certificate as it appears in the MyGov app.COVID-19 certificates have been updated with features including an animated coat of arms to safeguard against fraudulent activity, similar to measures taken on other official government documents including birth certificates and citizenship documents.Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen said the agency was working with the Australian Federal Police to investigate and resolve any security or criminal threats.“We are aware of a small number of scams relating to vaccination certificates,” Mr Jongen said.“We don’t comment on security or suspected criminal matters but Services Australia works closely with relevant authorities and agencies to investigate and address those threats appropriately.“We are evolving proof of vaccination certificates, including strengthening security measures, with guidance from the Australian Cyber Security Centre.”Mr Jongen said Australians could be assured their vaccine and personal information is secure through the Medicare system and the national immunisation register.The Sunday Herald Sun revealed in September the Australian Federal Police were investigating black market vaccine passports being sold for thousands of dollars.At the time, an AFP spokeswoman said police were monitoring the potential for fraudulent Covid vaccine passports being sold on the dark web and in encrypted apps, as well as the potential to alter a person’s medical records to falsely declare they were vaccinated.She said the forgery of Commonwealth documents could carry a 10-year penalty.“The new powers under the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Act 2021 … would enable the AFP to more effectively identify and disrupt serious criminals who use the dark web and anonymising technology to facilitate and disguise their criminal activities, including the forgery of Covid-19 documents, and will assist us in keeping the community safe.”Proof of vaccination could be a long-term requirement for people to attend events, venues and workplaces, with the jab mandate not among the major Covid restrictions set to be scrapped when Victoria reaches 90 per cent double vaccination for people over the age of 12 – a feat possible by the end of next month.Anyone who suspects that someone may be creating fake COVID-19 digital certificates or Medicare immunisation history statements can report it to the Services Australia website or by calling 131 524.
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