Warning of inspection scam in the region

Tue, Jan 14, 2020

Algoma Public Health (APH) is warning any business that is inspected by APH to be aware of a scam involving individuals posing as Public Health Inspectors from APH. Businesses inspected by APH include restaurants, salons/spas, tattoos, body piercing & other personal services.

A local restaurant was contacted by phone by someone pretending to be a Public Health Inspector from Algoma Public Health. The person said that they received a complaint about the food and that they needed to perform another inspection. They then asked for a credit card number to charge a service fee.

 

All restaurant inspections provided by Algoma Public Health are FREE and we would never ask for a credit card number. Inspectors also carry a valid badge and photo identification.

 

“If you are contacted by someone attempting to schedule an inspection and asking for a credit card, please call your local police department,” says Chris Spooney, manager of Environmental Health at Algoma Public Health. “Legitimate Public Health Inspectors do not call ahead to schedule an appointment. In most cases, inspections are unannounced.”

If businesses are in doubt about an inspector, you are encouraged to call Algoma Public Health (APH) at 705-759-5286 to check if an inspector is employed by APH. 

 

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