Scam on Instagram: Fake Eva Herzog demands money for meetings

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On Monday, Eva Herzog (61) from Basel was elected as the new President of the Council of States. This is a reason to be happy for the city canton, and a Basel councilor also wanted to congratulate the politician. But something went wrong.

So the Grand Council took out his smartphone, opened the social network Instagram and shared his congratulations with the (alleged) duke, reports “20 Minutes”. But instead of a thank you, he received an unexpected offer in response. The Grand Council was asked via chat to wait for a phone call the next day. If he did, he could meet Herzog in person.

But to the surprise of the Grand Council, the rencontre cost him something. “Can you make a small transfer?” was the bold question asked of him. By then it became clear: the cantonal politician was not communicating with the real Herzog, but with a fake account.

Possible criminal offences

“We are aware of this account and are already trying to have it removed,” Herzog told “20 Minutes.” But so far, the profile’s administrator has not wanted to voluntarily remove it. The President of the Council of States knew nothing about the scam with her forged identity – ‘money in exchange for meetings’.

It remains unclear whether Herzog will take legal action against the profile operator. The Public Prosecution Service in Basel-Stadt did not want to comment on this to the commuter newspaper. This is due to official and investigative secrecy. However, in this case, according to the Public Prosecution Service, “criminal acts against honor and the secret or private part of the criminal code” may be involved. (rba)

Source:Blick