Qld check-in app fraud: Users threatened with jail time if they log into someone else’s Medicare account

Anyone who fraudulently adds someone else’s Covid-19 vaccine certificate to their check-in app could face jail time or a hefty fine, authorities have warned.

Anyone who fraudulently adds someone else’s Covid-19 vaccine certificate to their check-in app could face jail time or a hefty fine, authorities have warned.

Acting chief health officer Peter Aitken said the Queensland app had been deliberately designed to allow parents to log in for their child or for other dependants who required help.

While there were concerns unvaccinated people would be able to claim they had received both jabs by logging into someone else’s Medicare or MyGov accounts through the check-in app, Dr Aitken defended the app.

“That’s not a flaw, it’s fraud,” he said.

“If you’re prepared to use someone else’s login and password details from Medicare or MyGov to do that, that’s a crime.

Queensland's Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Peter Aitken. Picture: Richard Walker

“And we’ve done it deliberately and it’s the same approach as the ACT and other states because parents need to log in for their children and people who are disabled may need assistance.”

Agricultural Minister Mark Furner warned people could go to jail or cop a $13,000 fine.

“The best thing to do is follow the rules and laws and that won’t be an issue for you in the future,” he said.