BIZ BUZZ: Gokongwei warns public vs scams, again

No, a thousand times no.

Lance Gokongwei, president and CEO of JG Summit Holdings Inc., does not—and will not—endorse cryptocurrency projects, in any way, shape or form.

“I am not involved in any cryptocurrency projects of any sort, and will never endorse investment platforms online,” said the head of the Gokongwei Group, who was alarmed at how investment scams continue to proliferate on social media and “becoming more sophisticated, aided by the use of artificial intelligence.”

But it seems that despite the repeated reminders and warnings, Gokongwei has remained a target of online scammers intent on duping innocent Filipinos into parting with their hard-earned cash, thus the Gokongwei Group’s call for the public to be vigilant and to scrutinize web pages, social media accounts and links before engaging with anyone.

As Gokongwei tells Biz Buzz, he is just one of the personalities—from the corporate sector, show business and media—who are being used by scammers in an attempt to make their offers seem legitimate.

“It’s almost like throwing darts at the board. The more they throw, the more chances they will hit their mark or throwing things at a wall and seeing what sticks,” he explains.

So the next time you see Gokongwei’s face or even voice connected to some get-rich-quick venture, don’t fall for it. It’s a scam. —TINA ARCEO-DUMLAO

The unbeatable McDonald’s Greenbelt

If you’ve been walking around the area of Greenbelt malls in Makati City, you’re probably well aware of the construction going on, and the closure of its first branch.

But you may have noticed something else, too.

Standing tall among the construction materials is one of the first branches of McDonald’s.

A lot of the longtime fans of this 40-year-old branch have expressed worries over social media about whether it, too, will be closing. After all, it has been the site for colleagues, friends and families to unite.

But while everything around it seems to be constantly on the move, McDonald’s Greenbelt will not even bat an eye, according to Adi Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines assistant vice president for corporate relations and impact.

“McDonald’s Greenbelt is open and will continue to serve our customers in the Makati CBD (central business district),” Hernandez says in a statement.

“Operating a store for 40 years in its same, original location is a testament to the community it has built,” she adds.

Time for that double cheeseburger, perhaps? —Meg J. Adonis INQ