Crime & Safety

New 'Illness' Scam Targets Restaurant Owners In Hennepin County

The scammer claims to be calling from the Hennepin County Public Health Department​.

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — Officials are warning restaurant owners of new scam that targets them in a ploy to gain access to their financial accounts. Food establishments have received phone calls purportedly from the Hennepin County Public Health Department.

The caller falsely states there are illness complaints against the restaurant and demands a small credit card payment to cover the cost of the special inspection that supposedly will be forthcoming.

If the owner does provide their credit card number, the caller may then tell the owner the card provided didn’t work and demand a second credit card number. Officials say it's an illegal ploy to get to owner's money.

Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Hennepin County health inspectors will never telephone you asking for payment over the phone," officials said in a recent scam alert. "You will always receive an invoice from Hennepin County, which is used to collect any fees. Hennepin County health inspectors do not accept credit card payments - no matter the situation."

If you receive a call like this or fall victim to this scam, alert the state attorney general’s office at (651) 296-3353 and your city's police department.

Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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