The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has issued a warning to merchants and business owners following reports of individuals impersonating sanitary and veterinary inspectors to try to scam commercial establishments. According to the entity, these individuals arrive at premises speaking of alleged failures in health permits, problems in food handling, or staffing requirements. They use technical language related to food health control to appear as officials, and ultimately end up asking for money or undue charges. Minsa made it clear that official health inspections are only carried out by duly authorized personnel, and that every inspector must show their valid institutional ID. Authorities also reminded that no official is authorized to request direct payments during an inspection, either in person or by phone. In case of any suspicious visit or call, the recommendation is to always ask for identification, not hand over money, and immediately report the case to health authorities or regional health directorates. The authorities reminded that this type of practice constitutes identity theft and fraud, crimes that can be punished by law.
