News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

Interior Health is warning restaurant operators to be watchful for fraudsters posing as health inspectors. 

Restaurants across Interior Health have reported receiving telephone calls from callers alleging to be health authority inspectors and threatening fines for not scheduling inspections. This appears to be part of an on-going North America-wide scam that has been reported in the media as an attempt to circumvent Craigslist’s security settings through identity fraud. 

All restaurant operators should be aware this scam is circulating throughout the province, including communities within Interior Health.  Environmental Health Officers in Interior Health do not routinely call food service establishments to schedule inspections. In almost all cases, inspections are unannounced. 

Restaurants that have received such calls should report them immediately to the police. 

“Interior Health Environmental Health Officers carry official health authority photo ID,” said Ken Christian Regional Director of Health Protection.  “Restaurant operators or restaurant staff should always request to see this ID, especially when the Environmental Health Officer who arrives at the restaurant isn’t known to staff.” 

If a restaurant has unwittingly booked a fraudulent inspection over the phone, and someone posing as a health inspector shows up, the restaurant operator or staff should ask to see the inspector’s official Interior Health identification. If none can be produced, refuse the person entry and immediately call the police through 9-1-1. 

Interior Health's Health Protection Services oversees the regulatory and health promotion activities of Environmental Health Officers, Licensing Officers, Drinking Water Officers and Public Health Engineers. 

This includes over 4500 restaurants and food service operations in the interior.  Contact your Environmental Health Officer for more information.  Health Inspection programs are listed in the Blue Pages of your phone book or on the web at http://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-safety.aspx?id=564

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