Impersonator uses well-known name
A CON man posing as Villa Romana Trattoria owner George Papagelou has duped at least one Cairns business into paying $500 for a non-existent flat screen TV and targeted seven others.
The ripped-off business owner, who asked not to be named, said the con man telephoned him claiming to be Mr Papagelou, questioning him about fetta cheese for his restaurant, before asking him if he wanted to buy a new flat screen TV cheap.
The man initially said no but was eventually talked into placing the money into the con man's Melbourne bank account.
Within hours he realised he'd been duped and called the police.
"I don't usually fall for those traps but because he said he was George and was asking questions about a new restaurant, I fell for it," the business owner said.
"I don't know George personally but I know his brother so I thought it was real."
Another business owner who spoke to The Cairns Post said he knew Mr Papagelou and was also targeted by the fraudster.
He said a different voice and accent gave the game away.
Mr Papagelou yesterday told The Cairns Post he initially thought someone was playing games with him when he was told about his impersonator.
"But when the police called I knew it was real," Mr Papagelou said.
"I guess he's using my name because people know it and trust me."
Cairns CIB Det Sgt Sheridan Heaton said the man had targeted at least eight local businesses in the past fortnight.
"It's just a cheap way to make money," Det Sgt Heaton said.
She said police wanted to speak to a man named Apostolos Lapatis, who they believed may be able to help their inquiries.
"If anyone knows where he is, please tell us," she said.
He is also wanted for questioning on similar matters from 2003.
Anyone with information, or has received a similar telephone call, is urged to call Cairns police on 4030 7000 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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