The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Union has warned the public to be alert to individuals impersonating Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and extorting money from households and institutions under the guise of official duties.In a statement, the Union said several incidents have been reported from different parts of the country where impostors had deceived residents and business establishments by demanding payments while claiming to carry out health inspections.

According to the Union, the fraudulent activities are mainly linked to house inspections being conducted during the ongoing dengue outbreak, with scammers exploiting the situation to solicit money.

The Union stressed that Public Health Inspectors do not charge or collect money under any circumstances in the course of performing their duties.

The public has therefore been urged not to hand over money to anyone claiming to be a PHI and to immediately report such incidents to the Police and relevant authorities.