Santa Fe, NM---Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas issued a scam alert, warning New Mexico restaurants and other businesses not to become fraud victims. According to new field reports, individuals impersonating an Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) inspector are visiting New Mexico restaurants and collecting $100 “fines” for alleged violations. Only after paying the “fine” do restaurants discover that the so-called inspector is a fraud. 

“No restaurant or other business should ever pay a government inspector without proof that the inspector is legitimate,” said Attorney General Balderas. “Anyone caught impersonating a government agent to take advantage of someone will be held accountable.”

The Office of the Attorney General reminds businesses that authorized inspectors will always present credentials when visiting a restaurant or other business and any concerns or fines will be presented through official means, such as in writing. Legitimate inspectors will never request social security numbers, credit card or other personal information. 

The Attorney General requests that any business approached by fraudulent scammers report the incident to his office at www.nmag.gov or call 1-844-255-9210.