Restaurant Health Inspector Scam reported on Maui and Oahu

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) is warning restaurants about a health inspector scam in the islands.  The DOH Sanitation Branch on Maui reported three incidents, and two reports were filed on Oahu. 

The incidents involve a male caller who contacts local restaurants claiming to be from the local Health Department investigating a complaint.  Similar scams are occurring on the mainland in an effort to obtain sensitive information on employers and employees.  Restaurants are urged to ask for proper identification, and call the DOH if they have any doubts.

The DOH typically does not call a food establishment prior to a routine inspection or when investigating a complaint, and DOH health inspectors must always wear or display their DOH issued identification before entering an establishment. 

Only DOH sanitarians and food and drug inspectors enter food establishments to investigate health-related complaints or to make routine inspections.  If you have any questions regarding the identification of a sanitarian (health inspector) please call the Sanitation Branch at 586-8000, if the person claims to be a food and drug Inspector please call the DOH Food and Drug Branch at 586-4725.  

PHONE NUMBERS for Neighbor Islands

Hilo District Health Office                    933-0917        

Kona District Health Office                 322-1507

Kaua‘i District Health Office                241-3323

Maui District Health                             984-8230