The Office of the City Mayor alerted anew establishments in the city over the resurgence of the “Magalong scam” which uses the name of Mayor Benjamin Magalong to order pricey food and drinks and obtain cell phone prepaid load.
The office received yet another set of complaints from business owners, mostly restaurants in the city, using the same modus of posing as the mayor calling the establishments ordering food, liquor, and supplies and asking for cell phone load.
The City Mayor’s Office reiterated the mayor does not engage in the practice of personally calling to order food, reserve venues, or asking for a load from any establishment.
“Please verify first with the City Mayor’s Office through telephone number 442-3939 before accepting the order,” it was advised.
The scheme first came to light in 2019 when at least six restaurants were victimized.
Last March, the scam expanded to establishments outside the city after one restaurant in Sagada, Mountain Province reported a similar ploy.
“The scheme is absurd and not reflective of my character. Inuulit ko po, hindi ko po ugali na mag-extort or humingi ng libre,” the mayor then said.
He urged business owners anew to be extra wary because scammers are getting craftier and craftier.
The Baguio City Police Office advised the residents to be alert, vigilant and wary even with people appearing or sounding authoritative.
“Make an effort to check if these calls are legitimate. Let’s not give scammers the opportunity to pull their tricks,” it said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
April 25, 2024
