Scam artists pose as health inspectors in restaurants

LITTLE ROCK — Scam artists are once again targeting restaurants around Arkansas posing as Arkansas Department of Health officials claiming to conduct restaurant inspections. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is urging Arkansans not to fall for this scam, especially when the individual is attempting to demand immediate payment for declared violations.

“Scam artists are exploiting the stress and burden faced by Arkansas businesses, as the owners focus on tightening their budgets to manage the skyrocketing inflation, supply issues and staffing shortages,” Rutledge said in a news release. “Call my office immediately if you are contacted by a con artist demanding money from a false business inspection.”

Her office offered the following advice for anyone contacted about an inspection at their place of business:

• Legitimate ADH Environmental Health Service inspectors carry identification with the agency logo and will always be willing to provide it when asked.

• ADH inspectors will never ask for money.

• ADH also conducts inspections for cosmetology services, plumbing, natural gas and many other areas.

Contact the local Health Unit or ADH Environmental Health Protection program at 501-661-2171 to confirm the identity of an inspector.

Anyone who believes they have been contacted by a scammer or fallen victim to a scam posing as an ADH official can report these calls to the attorney general’s office by visiting http://www.arkansasag.gov, emailing Oag@arkansasag. gov or by calling 800-482-8982. Note the time of the call and the number it came from when reporting it.