Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Ottawa, Canada
April 30, 2020
Location: Ottawa Region
Situation: Canadian law enforcement officials are warning about the increase in certain crimes, including fraud, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses have closed and most people are staying inside, there are fewer individuals in public. As a result, your actions may draw unwanted attention by those seeking to cause you harm.
Actions to Take to Protect Yourself:
- Keep a low profile
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Stay alert in public places, including transportation hubs and parking garages
- When walking, keep cell phones and valuables out of sight
- Lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables in sight
- Keep the doors to your home locked at all times
Fraud warning:
There has been an increase in fraudulent actors seeking to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by attempting to exploit businesses, individuals, and institutions. Reported incidents related to the pandemic include email phishing, telephone calls seeking assistance, and attempts to sell unproven treatments to “cure” illnesses caused by the coronavirus.
Actions to Take to Protect Yourself:
- Do not provide personally identifiable information (PII) or financial information to unsolicited e-mails
- If in doubt as to the legitimacy of a phone call or email, contact the company
- Please contact local police if you think you are a victim of a fraud scheme
- Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm) for more information
- Visit the FBI’s COVID-19 (https://www.fbi.gov/coronavirus) page for fraud prevention information
The Embassy continues to monitor the current situation in Canada and is available to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.
Contact information:
U.S. Embassy
490 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1G8
Canada
Telephone: +1 (613) 688-5335
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (613) 238-5335
Fax: +1 (613) 688-3082
OttawaACS@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs (888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444
For further information about security in Canada, see the Department of State travel website for Canada Country Specific Information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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- The Mission’s social media sites.
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