Restaurants: Scam Alert From Southwest Business Association

Press release from the Southwest Business Association:

September 28, 2020

Attention restaurants and bars!

Be on the lookout for potential scammers targeting restaurants and bars claiming establishments owe a fine for masking violations.

What you should know

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has become aware that restaurants are receiving calls indicating that their businesses were part of a scheduled compliance check, and that they owe a fine for masking violations. In a recent incident, none of the state agencies involved in the ongoing enforcement efforts had conducted a compliance check in the area.

What you can do

To protect your business from this scam, be aware that MDH or local public health agencies will work with you over a series of inspections to gain compliance before a fine may become necessary. Inspectors are emphasizing education and awareness, and MDH will not issue a fine on an initial inspection.

If you or someone you know has incurred financial loss due to a scam or fraud, please contact your local law enforcement.

If you have concerns or believe you are a victim of a scam, contact the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison by calling 1-800-657-3787, or submit a Consumer Assistance Request Form or Fraud Report Form.

This press release was produced by the Southwest Business Association. The views expressed are the author's own.