Lentegeur businesses targeted by fake health officials

Businesses in the Lentegeur area are being warned to stay alert as scammers posing as City health officials attempt to extort money for fraudulent 'health certificates'.

According to the City, these imposters have been visiting shops, demanding payment for so-called health certificates, and even threatening violence when business owners question their legitimacy.

The City’s Health Department has confirmed that there is no charge for the processing or issuing of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA).

“In order to avoid being conned, business owners need to be aware that a COA that was issued since the updated regulations were published in 2018 remain valid unless the premises has a change in management, is sold, physical changes are made to the premises and/or to the scope of operations,” said the City.

COAs are issued exclusively by the City’s Health Department and printed on specialised paper with a holographic City logo, making them difficult to counterfeit.

These certificates are only granted after submission of all required documentation and a physical inspection confirming compliance with legislation.

Furthermore, all legitimate City officials carry formal identification reflecting the City logo, their name, department, and designation.

“In their capacity as City employees, no one can request any rewards, gifts, favours and/or hospitality and do not have a general right to accept any of these,” the City emphasised.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, described the scams as a “serious threat to our small business community.”

“Pretending to be City officials is an old trick and businesses are urged to be vigilant. I want to encourage anyone who has been conned or threatened in this manner to please report it to the police and provide as much information as possible so that those responsible can be brought to book,” said Higham.

The City also advised businesses to consult their local Environmental Health office or the City’s website for official guidance on requirements and processes before starting or making changes to their operations.

“If you’re approached or anyone visits your premises and demands payment or any type of reward for any type of inspection or documentation, insist on checking their credentials and verifying their story with the local Environmental Health office. Business owners can also check the legitimacy of any documentation provided by a third party with their EHPs,” Higham said.

Cape Times