Location: Guatemala
Event: The United States Embassy in Guatemala has received reports of suspicious behavior associated with food deliveries in Guatemala City. With the increased movement restrictions and reduced operating hours of many businesses in Guatemala, people are increasingly taking advantage of the varied food delivery services in the capital. The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to remain vigilant.
Among the suspicious activities recently reported are the arrival of food delivery personnel with false delivery orders. Such false claims allow these personnel to enter controlled residential communities for criminal ends. The Embassy has also received reports of legitimate delivery personnel taking photos of residences while completing confirmed deliveries. In at least one such case, the delivery driver was associated with a gang and gathering information for his associates during the course of his work. To counteract these developments, some residential communities are prohibiting the entry of delivery drivers or requiring that they be escorted by a guard. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to take the following precautions when using food delivery services:
- Only meet delivery people at building/community entrances where the guards are located. Do NOT ask for delivery personnel to come to the door of your residence.
- Do not provide you phone number to delivery drivers.
- If you receive a call in error for a delivery you were not expecting, do not confirm the delivery
- If you see anything suspicious, notify security personnel in the vicinity. Do not engage the individual or place yourself in harm’s way.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Guatemala City https://gt.usembassy.gov/
Tel. (502) 2326-4000
Amcitsguatemala@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page
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