Beware of imposters posing as health inspectors who are trying to extort money out of businesses in eThekwini. The scammers are illegally extorting a R500 payment from unsuspecting business owners Picture: SUPPLIED
Scammers are targeting business owners, pretending to be eThekwini Municipality health inspectors and issuing spot fines of R500. The eThekwini Municipality urged the public to be aware of scammers pretending to be eThekwini Municipality Health Inspectors and illegally extorting money.
Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said this follows reports received by the City’s Health Unit from business owners who have been approached by individuals purporting to be inspectors and demanding an immediate payment of R500.
“The City’s Environmental Health Practitioners do not administer on-the-spot fines to businesses,” said Ms Sisilana.
She said in order to identify Municipal Environmental Health Practitioners, the city advises business owners and individuals to look out for the following:
1. An identification badge that has eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda’s signature on it. The badge will also have the first name, surname, and office contact number of the official as well as the municipality’s logo.
2. Inspection forms which bear the municipality’s logo - which the business owner will be expected to sign to confirm the details of the inspection.
3. A Section 56 fine book with the municipality’s logo. Any fines must be paid at the municipal court or can be defended at nearby courts as stated on the municipal fine.
“The city urges business owners and the public to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a Health Inspector,” said Ms Sisilana.
“If there are any suspicions or concerns, please contact the City’s Health Unit on 031 311 3555.”