Large-scale Covid access pass fraud found on Telegram: Report

Fraud with coronavirus access passes is still widespread, broadcaster NOS found in an investigation. QR codes issued for legitimate people are being shared on apps like Telegram. And there are even ready-made apps and websites where fake QR codes can be found, the broadcaster report.

The Dutch authorities have blocked 23 frequently shared QR codes so far. They were put on a deny list, which pops up when scanned so that the restaurant worker, for example, knows to also check the user's identity.

But many often shared codes still work. This usually involves codes from other EU countries, according to the broadcaster. "At the moment, we cannot legally block QR codes from real people," a spokesperson for the Health Ministry said to NOS. "Only if it is clearly a fake name can we block a QR code." Such as a QR code issued for Adolf Hitler last month. "We are working on regulations to also be able to block shared codes from real people."

The broadcaster found 65 illegal QR codes on a fake Android app made to look almost exactly like the government's CoronaCheck app. A random test showed that most haven't been blocked, though they mainly involve QR codes from other EU countries. According to the broadcaster, the app was shared in a Telegram channel with approximately 45 thousand members.

The Ministry of Public Health called on people in the Netherlands not to commit fraud in this way. "We use this system of coronavirus access passes to reduce the risk of infections. That is very important now that the numbers of infections and hospital admissions is increasing," a spokesperson said.