Scam artists posing as health inspectors are targeting restaurants in Arcadia and across Los Angeles County trying to gain financial advantage by manipulating food facility owners.
An environmental health specialist (“health inspector”) should always:
– Present a county issued photo identification card.
– Present a county issued business card on request.
– Direct the owner or manager to pay any fees at the local Environmental Health Office, Environmental Health Headquarters, or to the Payment Portal online at publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh.
If the “health inspector” is unable to provide valid photo ID and/or a business card, contact your local Environmental Health Office to confirm that they are a current employee. If the office is unable to confirm the “health inspector’s” identity, contact your local law enforcement agency.
An environmental health specialist DOES NOT:
– Call to schedule appointments for routine inspections. Inspections are unannounced.
– Accept payment for services during an inspection.
– Charge money or fees for letter grades, other signs, or equipment.
– Sell or endorse products.
– Ask owners to call phone numbers and enter numeric codes, or tell the owner to give out a code when called to schedule an inspection.
If the “health inspector” is requesting that you pay them directly for a service contact your local Environmental Health Office and your local law enforcement agency.
If you receive a call from someone saying they are a “health inspector” asking for personal or secure information, you should:
– Not give out any personal or secure information.
– Get a name and contact number.
– Call your local health department.
– Call your local law enforcement agency.
The impersonation of a public officer is a criminal offense. Anyone found impersonating a health inspector or any government employee is guilty of a felony crime.
If you have questions and/or information regarding fraudulent activity contact Environmental Health at (888) 700-9995. For more information on permits and inspections, visit the Public Health website.
