Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a public warning against scammers, who are fraudulently using his name, following an incident involving a local restaurant that the scammer attempted to deceive Sept. 15.
Gasataya said an unidentified male caller impersonated him and contacted Gina’s Seafood Restaurant, and placed a food order, claiming it was for a visiting beauty queen.
The caller, using the mobile number 0967-736-0275, then instructed the restaurant owner to deposit money via GCash to a certain Ma. Fe Quimpo (0909-230-0395), supposedly for “payment” for a separate food order from a fast-food chain, the city said in a press release.
Suspecting foul play, the restaurant owner contacted Public Employment Service Office (PESO) coordinator Jovelyn Canoy, who confirmed the scam attempt. Canoy immediately alerted Gasataya, who instructed her to verify the contact numbers provided. Attempts to call back both mobile phones were unsuccessful.
This is the second reported incident involving scammers posing as city officials or employees to defraud businesses and individuals.
“Our office is coordinating closely with law enforcement to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible. Public service is sacred, and those who exploit it will face justice,” the mayor added.
Gasataya has referred this latest matter to authorities for further investigation, and possibly identify those responsible. ||
