The executive director of the consumer protection agency, ProConsumidor, Altagracia Paulino has warned business owners and shopkeepers that people using fake identification cards have been passing themselves off as ProConsumidor inspectors. Some complainants have said that the fake inspectors threaten to confiscate products, and also are asking for up to RD$5,000 in blackmail and extortion.
She said that they arrive before the establishments open, saying they are going to carry out inspections. Paulino stressed that her staff travel in groups of at least three and in marked vehicles. If anyone has any doubt as to whether they really are inspectors, then they should call ProConsumidor
She asked shopkeepers to help identify the imposters by photographing them with their mobile phones or calling Tel 809 567-8555 and 809 472-2731 ext. 235 and 252.