Fraudsters have been masquerading as Rosanna Natoli, with the newly-elected Sunshine Coast Council Mayor urging the community to be aware of fake approaches under her name.
Since Mayor Natoli took office fake social media accounts have emerged, as well as instances of scammers text messaging and Skype calling people asking for personal information, bank details and organising meetings.
“Please know that I would never seek money from community members or send links to organise or join meetings via social media platforms,” Mayor Natoli said.
“To help keep everyone safe, please be vigilant.”
Mayor Natoli said anyone who has received social media, or other communications, through a fake profile should it to the relevant social media network, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
“Don’t be fooled by these scammers and take steps to protect yourself from cybercrime.”
Sunshine Coast Council and Mayor Natoli have made reports to the QPS and the Australian Cyber Security Centre and will continue to monitor the situation.
Council has also warned of scam phone callers saying they were from Council and asking residents for personal information or asking to visit their home.
It has advised that Council does not contact customers asking for personal information and if anyone in the community had doubts to contact Council.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Acting Superintendent Chris Toohey said cybercrime was a criminal offence.
“Please be cautious when communicating with people online and if in doubt, do not engage,” A/Superintendent Toohey said.
“If you think you have provided your financial details or sent money to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police.”
To contact Mayor Natoli, visit the Council website.
To verify you are engaging with Mayor’s real Facebook account (www.facebook.com/MayorRosannaNatoliOfficial) check the page ID. When viewing the page, click about, click page transparency and check the page ID is 245083698695401.
