The Grey Bruce Health Unit is warning local business operators about a new scam.
Program Manager Angela Newman says fraudsters are posing as public health officials, public health inspectors, or food inspectors.
They are calling restaurant and retail store operators indicating there is a problem with the establishment and asking for detailed business information.
They attempt to schedule an inspection and also ask for a return call to confirm the information through a unique code number.
When you call and use the code a website can be set up to fraudulently sell goods or services.
Newman says the end purpose of the scam is to extort money from the operators who are also threatened with large fines if they do not cooperate.
Newman wants business operators to know the Grey Bruce Health Unit does not call ahead to schedule inspections but simply shows up.
She says the inspectors will always have proper ID and all the correct paperwork to show and they never use any special codes.
Newman says there is no fee for an inspection and the business should not be left with a bill but a legitimate inspection report.
Newman says hundreds of restaurant and retail store operators across Canada have been contacted by scammers – including one restaurant in the Hanover area.
She says fortunately the employees thought something was odd and contacted the Health Unit to verify the inspection.
Newman is asking business owners with any concerns to contact the Health Unit.
