Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO) is warning Ottawa residents to be on guard against criminals who are trying to benefit from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in three emerging areas:
- Cybercrime – This includes hacking, phishing attacks and fraud (such as criminals who pose as hospital officials, claiming a relative has contracted the virus and demanding payments for medical treatment).
- Selling fake coronavirus prevention or cures
- Organized property crimes – This includes criminals impersonating medical staff to enter private homes to rob them.
More information on these crimes and how to protect yourself can be found on the CPO website.