Councillor issues community warning after receiving reports of impersonator
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy has distanced himself from messages claiming he launched a new Magaliesig residents’ group, warning the community of a possible scam.
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy is urging residents not to engage with a number impersonating him, and attempting to contact community members.
According to Reddy, the individual is circulating messages claiming that a new residents’ group for Magaliesig has been launched and asking them to join it. The message, from the alleged impersonator, suggests the group was created to encourage collaboration among residents, promote opportunities, and strengthen community networks. However, Reddy has warned that the message is fraudulent and that he has not created any new groups or changed his contact details. “Please note, I have not changed my cell number, nor have I started any new groups. The individual behind this could be a scammer with nefarious intentions, using my picture as a front.”
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The councillor cautioned residents to be vigilant and avoid sharing any personal information with the individual behind the number. “I will not ask for codes or personal data apart from standard escalation info. Please do not reply to any information requests from this individual. All my requests are made directly to ward groups.”
Reddy said the matter has already been reported to the police and the community policing forum so that it can be investigated further. “Should you receive a request from this individual, please pass on the info to the police forum in any sector [Sandton/Douglasdale].”
He said that the messages being circulated are not authorised by him and that residents should treat them with caution. “I repeat, I am not involved with this matter, nor have I given any consent for my name and picture to be used. I would like to thank the alert residents for bringing this to my attention.”
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Residents are encouraged to remain cautious when receiving messages from unknown numbers and to report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities or community safety structures.
The Douglasdale Community Policing Forum’s Freda Boiles confirmed receipt of the message from Reddy.
Reddy confirmed that he has not opened a case with the police, as yet.
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