Authorities in Los Angeles said Tuesday that scam artists pretending to be health inspectors have been targeting area restaurants seeking to get private information.

Numerous restaurant operators have reported receiving phone calls in which the callers requested information including employees' phone numbers, which was supposedly needed to schedule inspections, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Restaurant owners who provided information were told they would be inspected at a specific date and time, but no one showed up, the LAPD said.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which oversees restaurant inspections, said its inspectors are required to introduce themselves in person and have county-issued photo identification papers.

Anyone with information is asked to call county officials at (626) 430-5200.