SHASHI NAIDOO IN LEWD MODEL SCAM:
Would-be models duped into sending nude pictures
A PORT Elizabeth teen with a vigilant mom was lucky to avoid becoming one of hundreds of would-be-models duped into sending nude photos to a conman claiming to be model boss Shashi Naidoo.
Bay beauty Naidoo, who has made a name for herself as both a model and an agency owner, has laid a charge of fraud relating to the matter, saying she was horrified her name had been dragged into the lewd scandal.
The intricate scam uses Blackberry’s BBM messaging service to promise young women aged 14 to 25 a modelling career and acting stints in local soapie Isidingo, Bollywood and the US.
The “agent” identifies himself or herself as celebrity model and agent Shashi Naidoo to ask victims for personal information and discreet pictures.
A 14-year-old from Port Elizabeth, whom Naidoo put Weekend Post in touch with, said she was embarrassed as well as highly disappointed as she thought the message she received was her chance to make it big.
“I got an invitation on BBM and I accepted it because it said it was Shashi Naidoo from Alushi Models. I thought it was my big break – I really want to be a famous model.
“It didn’t take long for me to become suspicious. As soon as they asked for naked photos I told my mom. She then told me to delete the contact and she e-mailed the agency.
The girl’s mother, who would not say in what suburb the family lived, said she was fearful that any information given would “lead the perverts to us”.
Naidoo, who has been in the modelling industry for a decade, said she found out about the scam two weeks ago and laid a case of fraud at the Norwood Police Station. Police are investigating a criminal case.
She said her agency, Alushi Models, had been “bombarded by phone calls from people around the country expressing how disgusted they were with the agency”.
She said many of the calls came from the Eastern Cape.
“We need to make people aware, as some girls have such a desire for fame that they do not stop to ask questions.
“It’s scary how out of hand this can become. Criminals have become so brave . . . It’s pornography on a whole other level.”
Nelson Mandela Bay based Sophisticate Model founder Gail Brown said she was deeply concerned.
“It is very scary that this is happening right under out noses,” she said.
East London-based Just Models’ boss Davianne Blignaut said: “This is sickening but not at all surprising. There are lots of scams out there and girls are so vulnerable.”