The Fulton County Board of Health wants to warn restaurant owners and operators about impersonators who are posing as health inspectors.

The Fulton County Board of Health and the Georgia Department of Public Health want to remind individuals and businesses that county health inspectors carry official identification badges and are not allowed to accept money in the field. Businesses may request to see the health inspector’s ID or call their local health department to verify those credentials.

Health inspectors should always:

• Introduce themselves to the food facility owner, operator, or manager
• Explain the purpose of the visit
• Present Fulton County-issued identification
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner

Health inspectors should NOT:

• Accept any payments in the field
• Accept or offer bribes
• Make threats of closure due to payment
• Refuse to provide credentials

What should I do if I receive a visit or call from someone claiming to be a health inspector?

• If the person is unable to produce a valid, Fulton County-issued ID, contact your local Environmental Health Office to confirm that the individual is a current employee.
  • If the EH office is unable to confirm that the person is a current employee, call your local law enforcement agency.
• If the person requests you pay them directly for a service, contact your local EH office and your local law enforcement agency
  • Do NOT give the person any money, pay any “fees,” or allow the individual to “inspect” the food facility
  • Do NOT provide any personal, financial, or security information to this individual.
• If possible, get the person’s name and contact information.

The impersonation of a public officer is a criminal offense. Any person who is found impersonating a health inspector or other government employee may be convicted and punished with a fine, imprisonment, or both.

To report fraudulent activity or request more information, contact the Fulton County Board of Health’s Environmental Health Department at 770-520-7500.