Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ottawa, Canada

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1. Rideau Centre Mall Scam

Avoid distraction tactics by individuals offering help or directions within the mall. Keep your belongings secure.

Distraction Tactics: Individuals may create a diversion to pickpocket unsuspecting victims.
Popular Tourist Destination: Rideau Centre Mall is one of the most visited locations in Ottawa by tourists.
Mall Environment: Crowded and bustling environments can make it easier for scammers to operate undetected.

Be cautious of individuals offering cheap goods or services in the ByWard Market. Only purchase from reputable vendors.

Cheap Goods/Services: Scammers often sell low-quality or fake goods at discounted prices.
Tourist Attraction: ByWard Market attracts tourists, making it an ideal location for scams.
Busy Street Vendors: Distinguishing between legitimate vendors and scammers can be challenging in a bustling environment like the ByWard Market.

Avoid giving personal information or money to strangers at festivals. Stick with friends and keep belongings secure.

Personal Information: Scammers may try to obtain sensitive personal information.
Festive Atmosphere: The lively atmosphere of festivals can make people more trusting and less vigilant.
Crowded Spaces: Scammers take advantage of the crowds to blend in and target unsuspecting victims.

Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps for transportation. Be wary of unmarked or unlicensed taxis.

Unlicensed Taxis: Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or provide unsafe transport.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Using a trusted ride-sharing app can help ensure a safe and reliable ride.
Recognizable Taxis: Licensed taxis are easily identifiable by their fleet number, logo, and meter.

Rent cars only from reputable companies. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving off.

Reputable Companies: Stick with well-established and trusted car rental agencies.
Vehicle Inspection: Inspecting the vehicle for any damage before driving away can help prevent disputes later.
Agreement Review: Thoroughly review the rental agreement and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Book Airbnbs with verified hosts and good reviews. Inspect the property upon arrival.

Verified Hosts: Book properties hosted by users who have been verified by Airbnb.
Good Reviews: Check the property's reviews and ratings before booking.
Property Inspection: Inspecting the property upon arrival can help ensure it meets expectations.

Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit and busy areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Bank ATMs: ATMs inside banks are less likely to have skimming devices attached.
Well-lit Areas: Poorly lit areas provide cover for scammers to install skimming devices undetected.
PIN Coverage: Covering the keypad prevents others from seeing your PIN as you enter it.

Avoid sharing personal information over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and call back using a verified number.

Personal Information: Scammers may pose as bank representatives or government officials to obtain sensitive information.
Verified Numbers: Use verified numbers provided on official websites or through established communication channels.
Information Sharing: Never share personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are confident in the recipient's identity.

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN for added security.

Sensitive Information: Public Wi-Fi networks can be easily compromised, putting sensitive information at risk.
VPN Protection: A VPN encrypts your internet connection and protects your data from being intercepted.
Public Wi-Fi Restrictions: Restrict access to sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks as a precautionary measure.

Avoid eating from unlicensed food trucks. Only consume from licensed and regulated vendors.

Unlicensed Food Trucks: Food served by unlicensed trucks may be unsafe or of poor quality.
Licensed and Regulated Vendors: Stick with food trucks that have been licensed and adhere to health and safety regulations.
Health Risks: Consuming contaminated or improperly prepared food can cause illness.

Give sparingly to street performers and never hand over personal belongings for safekeeping.

Sparingly Giving: Street performers rely on the generosity of passersby, so giving sparingly is recommended.
Personal Belongings: Never hand over personal belongings to street performers, as they may not be returned.
Legitimate Performances: Recognize legitimate performances by donating to established organizations or registered charities.

Use paid parking lots or garages when available. Never leave valuable items in plain sight in your vehicle.

Paid Parking Lots/Garages: These locations offer a higher level of security and lower the risk of break-ins.
Valuable Items: Leaving valuable items in plain sight invites opportunistic theft.
Unattended Vehicles: Vehicles left unattended for extended periods are more likely to be targeted by thieves.

Use licensed and reputable tour guides. Confirm their identity before embarking on a tour.

Licensed Tour Guides: Guides must be properly licensed to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and training.
Reputable Companies: Choose tour companies with good reviews and a strong reputation.
Identity Verification: Confirm the guide's identity by asking for their license or other verifying documentation.

Purchase goods only from reputable gift shops. Be cautious of overpriced or low-quality items.

Reputable Gift Shops: Choose shops with good reviews and a strong reputation.
Overpriced Items: Scammers may sell goods at inflated prices to unsuspecting tourists.
Quality Assurance: Check the quality of items before making a purchase to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Appreciate street art from a distance. Do not touch or remove any artwork without permission.

Distance Appreciation: Viewing street art at a safe distance can prevent accidental damage.
Permission Required: Removing or touching street art without permission is illegal and disrespectful to the artist.
Artist's Rights: Respecting the rights of artists helps maintain Ottawa's vibrant and creative street art scene.