SASKATCHEWAN RESTAURANT OWNERS WARNED OF PHONE SCAM

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is today warning restaurant owners of a potential phone scam from a person or persons falsely claiming to be a food inspector or public health inspector from the "Saskatchewan Department of Health".

Several restaurant owners in Saskatchewan and other western provinces have received a phone call in recent days asking them to accept a follow up call and are given a registration code to enter when prompted. This code is described as a phone number that will connect them with the appropriate inspector. Restaurant owners are also asked for personal information, such as names and phone numbers of friends. This is not normal process.

Restaurant inspections are carried out by health region public health inspectors. The normal protocol is not to provide advance notice of an upcoming inspection, which is always done only in person.

Restaurant owners are being asked to contact their local health region if they have questions or concerns and to contact the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 if they receive a call of this nature.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083