Scam Alert: Phoney Health Inspectors

A warning is going out to thousands of food establishments in Michigan: be on the lookout for fake health inspectors. 

State and local officials are reporting that restaurants are receiving calls from people claiming to be from a health department.  The caller asks to schedule an inspection at the establishment, as well as requesting sensitive information. 

Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Keith Creagh says state and local food inspectors typically arrive unannounced to make sure proper food safety measures are being followed -- and it's rare an inspector would schedule a visit in advance.  And he says they never ask for sensitive, confidential or financial information. 

Creagh says his department is working with local law enforcement to address this issue.