The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has received reports that several restaurants throughout the state have received telephone calls from someone stating he or she is from the Department of Health. The caller often is requesting personal information so an inspection can be scheduled. The information being requested could be used for identity theft. These phone calls are a scam.
HEALTH food inspectors do not need personal information to schedule an inspection. Staff all have photo identification badges that verify they are HEALTH employees.
Any restaurant or food establishment who receives a similar call should try to get information from the caller (caller’s name, address, and phone number) and then report the incident to local police.