Health Dept. warns of fraudulent inspectors 
According to the Ohio Department of Health, food service operations have been contacted by persons asking to schedule an inspection of the businesses and requesting personal information over the phone.

The callers claim to be health inspectors and law enforcement officials believe it may be an attempt to extort money from the businesses as well as allowing the scammers a chance to establish fake identities on websites to fraudulently sell goods and services online.

Brad Espen, Environmental Health Director for the Wood County Health Department, said most food service inspections are conducted unannounced.

“Even on the rare occasions when we would call about inspections our sanitarians would not be asking for personal information unrelated to the operation,” Espen said.

He said Wood County Health District employees have photo identification with them while working. Their badges include their name, title, and the health district logo.

The scam isn’t isolated to Ohio, according to the Ohio Health Department, which said “numerous” reports have been collected across the country.

Espen said food service personnel shouldn’t divulge personal information over the phone and should notify their local law enforcement agency if they suspect a caller.

To contact Espen call (419) 352-8402, ext. 3238. 

Dr. David Grossman, Lucas County Health Commissioner, said inspectors from his department don’t call to set up inspections by appointment. They also show up announced and wear a photo identification badge.

Food operators who receive suspicious calls in Lucas County or who have questions about a health inspector should call (419) 213-4100.

Emergency equipment purchased
The Lake Township trustees have contracted with DR Ebel Police & Fire Equipment, Northwood, for $21,416 to equip four Chevy Tahoes with emergency equipment. The Tahoes were purchased to replace police department vehicles destroyed in last June’s tornado. The cost of the safety equipment will be covered by insurance.

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