Scam Artists Targeting Local Restaurants
2010-06-29
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is warning restaurants in the region that fraudulent calls have been made to several restaurants by an individual impersonating a public health inspector or official. The caller claims that the reason for the call is to schedule an inspection, but then proceeds to ask detailed business and personal information from the owner/operator, and requests a call back to confirm the information through the use of a unique code number. Similar fraudulent activity has been reported in other jurisdictions.
The EOHU is reminding restaurant owners and staff that neither the EOHU nor any of its public health inspectors schedule appointments for inspections over the telephone. Any caller who claims to be a public health inspector or public health official calling for the purpose of scheduling an inspection, or asking for personal or sensitive business information over the telephone, is not legitimate. Restaurant owners or staff receiving calls of this nature are advised to contact the police.
EOHU inspectors visiting the premises always carry picture identification and will produce it upon request.
For more information about the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s restaurant inspection program, call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for the Health Line.
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