The Sudbury and District Health Unit has notified the Greater Sudbury Police Service of an incident in which a person posing as a public health inspector tried to schedule an inspection with a local restaurant.

The most recent incident occurred June 7.

Impersonating a public officer is a criminal offence, according to a press release from the health unit.

A number of restaurant owners and operators throughout Ontario, including in Sudbury, have been contacted by phone by individuals impersonating public health inspectors.

These individuals identify themselves as “public health officials” working for the local health department.

These individuals request to schedule a restaurant inspection, and ask for detailed personal and business information. Sometimes restaurant owners are given a unique code number and telephone number to call back.

“Please be advised that public health inspectors employed by the Sudbury and District Health Unit always carry picture identification and will produce it upon request. Public health inspectors do not call in advance to make appointments for inspections,” the press release stated.

“Restaurant owners and operators are reminded to not give out any personal, private, or secure information to anyone without confirming the person’s identity.”

Restaurant owners and operators are asked to contact the health unit at 522-9200, ext. 398 for more information or to report similar types of incidents.