Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon warned the public against scammers who are using his name or those of officials of the city government to defraud people.
“Binabalaan ko po ang publiko na mag-ingat, lalo na ngayong panahon ng Pasko, may mga scammers o mga nananamantala (I warn the public to be careful, especially this Christmas season, against scammers or those who take advantage),” he said.
On Dec. 15, he said, several people went to the Muntinlupa City hall to report scamming incidents.
A scammer who pretended to be Biazon called one business establishment in Muntinlupa and reserved its venue for six hours and even ordered food. The establishment eventually found out it was a scam.
Other residents received text messages from people who also pretended to be Biazon and asked them to send cell phone loads.
“Nakakatawa nga, Mayor Biazon nanghihingi ng load (It is funny, Mayor Biazon asking for load),” he said.
Some restaurants also received orders from people who pretended to be the mayor. One restaurant even recorded one phone call of the scammer.
“Wag basta basta maniniwala sa mga natatanggap na tawag at nagpapakilala bilang Mayor Biazon o opisyal ng Pamahalaang Lungsod, lalo pa kung mukha itong kahina-hinala (Don’t believe easily when you get phone calls and say they are Mayor Biazon or official of the city government, especially when it appears to be suspicious),” the mayor warned.
He added, “Nakakalungkot dahil kahit panahon ng Kapaskuhan ay walang pinalalampas ang mga scammer na ito. Mag-ingat po tayong lahat (It is saddening that because it is the Christmas season, these scammers will not miss any opportunity. Please be careful).”
Biazon advised the public to call the telephone number 88626436 if they encounter such incidents.