In what is likely a scam, an Aylmer woman was contacted about purchasing a counterfeit proof of COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

The woman told Aylmer police she received an encrypted message from a stranger to join a private group through the app Telegram on Friday. Upon joining, the woman found a person posing as a doctor was offering fake proof of vaccination certificates, even claiming they could provide one for any area in the world with a functioning QR code.

The fee for the counterfeit document was $500 U.S., payable through a cryptocurrency app.

The seller stated they would send the proof of vaccination within 12 hours of receiving payment.

The woman did not send any money and instead reported the incident.

Police continue to investigate.