HSE warns trade over 'audit' scam

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a stark warning about a scam targeting the pub trade.

The national independent watchdog issued the warning after the Publican's Morning Advertiser raised the alarm.

The scam involves the manager or licensee receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from the HSE who suggests the pub must comply with some new legislation.

The person asks for an email address and the manager's mobile phone number, before claiming the pub is required to undergo a compliance audit. The caller even issues a threat that the pub will be fined if it fails to comply.

Carl Inman, deputy manager at the Crown & Anchor in Chichester, West Sussex, received a phone call from a lady called 'Veronica' who claimed to be from the HSE.

She said the pub required a compliance audit from an inspector who would visit within 14 days.

He said: "Something didn't seem right with the call, so I had a look at the HSE website. It made no reference to any compliance audit.

"I called the HSE info line, and was told it was a scam.

"They explained that this company would then turn up, expecting access to all areas of the pub, and then they would say 'You need to spend £1,000 on this documentation to ensure that you comply with the new regulations'."

A spokesman for the HSE said: "This is a scam. No HSE employee would behave in this manner.

"A genuine HSE inspector would always provide a name and contact number for both themselves and their manager, if asked, which would enable you to call back if you were ever in doubt about their identity.

"If presenting themselves in person, an inspector would always carry proof of their ID.

"We would advise anyone who is concerned about the identity of someone claiming to work for the HSE to ensure they do not disclose any personal details and to contact HSE directly."

• Have you been affected by this scam or been targeted by other scammers? Email zvpuryyr.creergg@jeoz.pbz​ with further details.