BOGUS council officers have been attempting to swindle restaurants by issuing fake spot fines and asking for cash payments.

Epping Forest District Council has received three reports of individuals falsely presenting themselves as Environmental Health Officer’s to food establishments within the Waltham Abbey area.

The imposters demanded the business owners pay fines for not complying with regulations.

Licensed businesses within Essex have also received visits from individuals pretending to be Council Licensing Officers, requesting licence fees be paid in cash.

A council spokesperson said: “These people are very convincing as they know how much your licence is and they also use the names of real licensing officers.

“Real Environmental Health Officers and any of the Council’s Licensing or Enforcement Officers will be happy to let you see their badges to check their identity.

“On the back of their badges, you will find a list of their authorisations and a telephone number, which you can call to verify they are who they say they are.

“Remember you are well within your rights to request to check their authorisations and be especially careful if they do not allow you to do this.”

Environmental Health Officers and Licensing Officers will not ask you to pay an on the spot fine or take cash from you.