Gasataya warns public against scammers using his name

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a warning to the public following a scam attempt involving someone impersonating him to defraud a local business.

The incident occurred Monday and involved a seafood restaurant in the city.

According to a city government report, an unidentified caller posed as Gasataya and placed a food order allegedly for a visiting beauty queen.

The scammer later instructed the restaurant owner to transfer money via GCash to a third party, supposedly for another food order from a separate fast-food outlet.

Sensing something suspicious, the restaurant owner contacted Jovelyn Canoy, coordinator of the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), who quickly verified the call as fraudulent.

Efforts to contact the scammer afterward were unsuccessful.

Gasataya condemned the act, stating, “If you intend to harm me or tarnish my name, by all means do try so at your own peril. But do not involve innocent businesses and Bacolodnons in your schemes.”

Authorities are now investigating, with the mayor assuring the public that his office is working closely with law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Gasataya also urged citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious activity involving his name or the city government.

“Public service is sacred, and those who exploit it will face justice,” he said.

This is the second reported case of scammers impersonating city officials or employees to deceive local businesses and individuals.