Ann Erdman, Pasadena's public information officer, sent us this message about a new scam going around:

FRAUD ALERT: BEWARE OF ANYONE FALSELY CLAIMING TO BE CITY OF PASADENA INSPECTOR

A woman calling herself an environmental health inspector with the Pasadena Public Health Department has been approaching local restaurants, claiming to be there to inspect their premises for safety violations in exchange for cash payment.

City of Pasadena environmental health inspectors always carry official city identification and business cards, do not handle cash transactions under any circumstances and always provide official inspection reports.

If you are approached by anyone falsely claiming to be a city of Pasadena employee, call the Pasadena Police Department at(626) 744-4241 so a report can be filed.