CLEVELAND — The Cuyahoga County Board of Health is warning local restaurant owners and food operators about individuals posing as health inspectors who are out to scam them out of money over fake fees.
Scammers call a business over the phone and demand a credit card number and personal information to cover late fees, license fees and inspection fees, officials said.
Health officials said they would never contact a business over the telephone seeking payment for fees.
Cuyahoga County Board of Health officials say they don't charge for food inspections. The only fee a restaurant owner would have is an annual license renewal, which is due every year on March 1.
Anyone who gets a call sounding like a scam is asked to call the police and notify the board of health at 216-201-2000.
Additionally, employees from the Board of Health all carry photo ID badges that are available to view upon request.
If you are unsure if a person works for the board, you are urged to call the agency.
