Police warning about scammers targeting food vendors for Birmingham Restaurant Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Birmingham Police are warning about scammers targeting food vendors for Birmingham Restaurant Week, which is happening July 17-26.

Officers say thieves are posing as event organizers, trying to get money from those businesses.

Police say the scammers are asking people to pay to participate in the preview party, prepare food for 4,000 people and pay additional fees for parking.

Officers say this is not legitimate.

Applications for the event are already closed.

Birmingham Restaurant Week is also not collecting additional money or soliciting new vendors.

Police say if you receive an email from a group called “I Do Events”, or from someone using the name Olena, do not respond or send money.

To confirm the legitimacy of any Birmingham Restaurant Week outreach, call Style Advertising at 205-933-8893, or email info@bhamrestaurantweek.com.

You can also visit the official Birmingham Restaurant Week site.

If you believe you were scammed, call Birmingham Police.

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