The Virgin Islands Department of Health’s Division of Environmental Health Services (DEH) is warning restaurant and retail operators to be aware of a scam involving individuals fraudulently posing as inspectors or public health officials.
Several restaurants and retailers across the territory have recently reported contact by individuals impersonating health or food inspectors. The individuals may ask for sensitive information or attempt to schedule an inspection, and they often threaten the establishment with large fines and closures.
As proof of their legitimacy, the Division of Environmental Health (DEH) inspectors carry photographic identification specifying their employ by either the Virgin Islands Department of Health, G2S Corporation or P3S Corporation. If a person is approached by an individual claiming to be an inspector, DEH encourages the person to ask for proper identification before releasing any information or otherwise cooperating with the individual.
If anyone suspects he or she has been contacted by someone impersonating an inspector, please report the incident to the Virgin Islands Police Department or to the Virgin Islands Department of Health – Division of Environmental Health Services at 718-1311 ext. 3709 or 774-9000 ext. 4642.
