The Rhode Island Department of Health has received reports that several restaurants throughout the state have received telephone calls from an individual representing the “State Board of Health.” The caller had requested payment for a state mandated identification card. The telephone calls are a scam.
The Department of Health does not issue or require payments for identification cards to food establishments. The Department’s Food Protection Unit sends renewal notices for food establishment licenses through the U.S. Postal Service and does not call establishments for renewals.
The Department of Health asks that those that have received similar calls to attempt to get any information possible from the caller (i.e. name, address, phone number) and to contact their local police department.