Alert: fake health inspectors

Guest blog by Pamela Walker-Bauer

We have received reports from our colleagues around the State of Ohio that food operations are receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be health inspector/sanitarians. These individuals identify themselves as "health inspectors," request to schedule an inspection of the food operation, and attempt to collect personal information from the operators. According to recent news reports, businesses are targeted to both extort money and allow the scammers to set up fake identities via Web sites in order to fraudulently sell goods and services, possibly on Craig’s List.

The Norwood Health Department wants to inform our food operators the importance of verifying credentials of anyone representing themselves as an inspector/sanitarian. The Norwood Health Department has only two individuals, Joe Chalfant, RS and myself, who hold the appropriate state licensure to legally inspect a food facility. In addition, restaurant owners and operators should not give out any personal, private, or secure information to anyone without confirming the person’s identity. Please contact us if you have any questions at 513.458.4600.

Pamela Walker-Bauer, MPH, RS
Health Commissioner
Norwood Health Department
2059 Sherman Avenue
Norwood, OH 45212