A press release said the “crooked persons” carry out these unlawful acts by removing the verification seals from petrol pumps at gasolene stations countrywide and using them to verify, for money payment, weighing and measuring devices of unsuspecting vendors and shopkeepers.

The release said the bogus functionaries collect monies without issuing official receipts.

But it advised vendors and shopkeepers to ensure that GNBS weights and measures officers identify themselves by presenting or properly displaying their authentic identification and/or appointment cards signed by the Executive Director, Dr Chatterpaul Ramcharran and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad.

GNBS said, after the verification, the inspectors must sign, put the current date and affix a new approval seal on the verified devices.

The release emphasised that payments should only be made to the Accounts Clerk accompanying the inspectors during the certification exercises and who must issue official receipts.

It noted that GNBS conducts the stamping exercise twice yearly, during the periods January to March, for the first half year and July to September for the second half.

GNBS pointed out that a different colour approval seal is used during each verification period and the current colour is purple.

The release added that surveillance inspections are carried out at shops and markets countrywide, between April and June and October and December, respectively, for the first and second half of the year.

GNBS warned that it will take legal action against individuals who impersonate inspectors to conduct any of its activities.