Scammers impersonate health inspectors to score free meal
The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has warned restaurant and supermarket owners of scammers impersonating health officials to earn a quick buck or meal.
The department says the fake health officials are attempting to extort businesses into renewing their health certification.
The city’s Patricia van der Ross says the scammers claim to have a Certificate of Acceptability that expires after two years.
“There are guys going around to our supermarket, takeaway and restaurants demanding either some money or food for an updated certificate.
“We find this unacceptable because only the City of Cape Town Health Department issues certificates and these scammers are taking advantage of businesses coming out of Covid.
“There’s been three incidents that took place in different areas in the city, but fortunately, the scammers went to an area where business owners are familiar with environmental health practitioners.
“So, when they tried to scam them, the managers called the environmental practitioners' office before anything could happen. We issued a warning just to alert business owners to be aware of what’s happening.”
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