Gasataya warns public vs scammers
Con man pretending to be mayor calls resto to order food for beauty queen
GASATAYA (Glazyl Masculino)
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya warned the public after a scammer impersonating him attempted to defraud a local business recently.
The city government, on Monday, Sept. 15, said an unidentified man pretending to be Gasataya called a local seafood restaurant and ordered food for a visiting beauty queen.
The caller instructed the restaurant owner to deposit money via GCash to a certain person as payment for a separate food order from a fastfood chain.
The restaurant owner suspected fraud and contacted Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) Coordinator Jovelyn Canoy who confirmed the scam.
Attempts to call the con man were unsuccessful.
Gasataya condemned the incident. “If you intend to harm me or tarnish my name, by all means do try so at your own peril. Do not involve innocent businesses and Bacolodnons into your schemes.”
Authorities are investigating the incident and Gasataya urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving his name.
“Our office is coordinating closely with law enforcement to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible,” Gasataya said.
This was the second incident involving scammers posing as city officials or employees to defraud businesses and individuals.
“Public service is sacred, and those who exploit it will face justice," Gasataya said.