Fraudsters target restaurant operators

VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Coastal Health wants all restaurant operators to be aware that fraudsters are posing as VCH Environmental Health Officers.

Restaurants located on the North Shore and in Vancouver have reported receiving telephone calls from people claiming to be VCH restaurant inspectors, looking to book a restaurant inspection with the operator within 48 hours. The caller also asks for four pieces of personal information over the phone in order to book the inspection -- the restaurant operator’s name, date of birth, home address and telephone number. This appears to be part of a scam that could likely involve identity theft.

“We want all restaurant operators to be aware of this scam and that it’s circulating in the Lower Mainland,” said Richard Taki, Regional Director of Health Protection for VCH. “Environmental Health Officers in VCH do not routinely call food service establishments to schedule inspections. In almost all cases, inspections are unannounced and officers don’t require any personal information from the restaurant operator other than what appears on the restaurant’s operating permit.”

Anyone receiving a call of this nature should report it directly to the police.

VCH Environmental Health Officers carry official health authority photo ID. 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 VCH identification. If none can be produced, refuse the person entry and immediately call the police through 9-1-1.

VCH is responsible for the delivery of $3 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities, including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

Media contact

Trudi Beutel
Public Affairs Officer
Vancouver Coastal Health
604.708.5282