State officials are warning restaurants and conveniences stores about a phony health inspector who claims he needs an employee's cell phone number to investigate a complaint.
The Globe Gazette in Mason City says the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals issued the warning about the scam on Monday.
Agency Director Dean Lerner says the caller claims he needs the cell phone number to prepare for an investigation.
The department says the goal is to obtain financial information about restaurants.
Lerner says owners and operators should never disclose any type of personal information about their employees without the appropriate justification.
Restaurants in Johnson, Story and Wright counties recently notified the department that they have been contacted.
