VIDEO: New scam in the south of Tenerife with fake health inspectors

The Ministry of Health have warned about a new scam uncovered in the south of Tenerife, where people are posing as health inspectors, particularly in shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes, to carry out an inspection of the premises. In a time where restrictions are still in place and some businesses have not been back open that long, it is understandable that owners are expecting an inspection of some sort, and these people are taking advantage of that.

The scammers start by showing a fake ID accrediting them as a health inspector, and then ask to see the first aid cabinet, followed by legal documents including opening licence and insurances, before charging 75 euros for the five-minute process.

In the video below, one of the security cameras in a minimarket in Los Cristianos recorded a middle-aged man, wearing a black shirt and jacket, carrying out the alleged inspection, then gives the shop assistant the fake document for the service he performed, which specifies the amount for payment of 75 euros for the "health inspection", before leaving the premises.

The Ministry of Health have confirmed that all of their inspectors and officials always carry accreditation from the Canary Health Service (SCS) and must identify themselves every time they access an establishment. In addition, they clarify that in no case do they ever charge in the places they inspect.

“Nothing is ever paid, neither in cash nor electronically; we are inspectors, not collectors”, they said yesterday, and stressed that the fees are paid through the electronic headquarters of the Canary Islands Government.

"They are administrative fees and all of those for any service are formalized when the application for registration of the company is made," explained an inspector. In addition, he stressed that a white paper is not issued, as can be seen in the video, since the certificate is formulated in triplicate and the document left for proof of inspection is yellow.

They also explained that data is not requested in any establishment, "only the identification of the person who is going to sign the documents because the rest of the company's information is already in the Ministry’s database".

If you are suspicious of someone visiting your business under false pretences, or you recognise the man in the video, please call the emergency services on 112 immediately and report them.