Attention food service operators and permit holders! We want to bring to your attention a concerning phone scam that recently came to light in our district.
Recently, one of our food service establishments in Hall County reported receiving a suspicious phone call from an individual using an Ohio phone number. The caller falsely claimed that the establishment had not paid their inspection fees and threatened that if the fees were not paid, an inspector would visit and shut down the restaurant. Fortunately, the establishment had already paid their annual inspection fees and avoided falling victim to this scam.
What You Should Know: Scams targeting food service businesses are not a new phenomenon, but it’s essential to stay vigilant. These scammers prey on fear and urgency to push businesses into compliance with fake demands.
How You Can Protect Yourself:
- Verify Authenticity: Always confirm any communication about inspection fees or official matters directly with your local county board of health, environmental health office. A list of the District 2 Public Health County Environmental Health Offices can be found here.
- Be Skeptical of Threats: Legitimate organizations do not use intimidation tactics or threaten immediate penalties without due process.
- Report Suspicious Calls: If you or your staff receive any suspicious communication, contact us immediately to verify the legitimacy of the request.
Please share this information with your teams and fellow food service operators. By staying aware and cautious, we can help safeguard businesses against fraudulent schemes!