The Michigan Department of Agriculture is investigating several cases of phony food inspectors that have cropped up across the state.
The scam involves fake food inspectors contacting restaurants and other food establishments to schedule inspections.
About a dozen or so cases have been reported so far.
Jennifer Holton, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, said inspectors will rarely schedule a visit in advance.
"Both state and federal food inspections are usually unannounced just to make sure that proper food safety measures are always in place, and are always being adhered to," Holton said.
Holton said most food establishments have a relationship with their inspectors, and if they suspect someone is posing as a food inspector, they should contact their local health department.
The incidents are now under investigation.
"We're working with our local health departments, as well as with local law enforcement officials to identify the size and scope" of the scam, Holton said.
"Is this one individual, is this multiple individuals? We don't know, so we're working really closely with those folks to address it," she said.
According to Holton, food inspectors will never ask for personal information such as social security numbers or banking information -- and that requests for such information is a sign of a scam.