Swiss Police Investigate Fake Ad Campaign on Energy Wasting

Police in Switzerland are looking into a false marketing campaign that circulated on social media and featured a banner inviting people to report their neighbors if they overheat their houses this winter, when Western Europe is predicted to have an energy shortage.

The fake advertisement, which looks to be in the open, such as a bus stop shelter, promises 200 Swiss francs (about $200) for tips that identify homeowners who are heating their homes over 19 C (66 F) in winter. According to reports, images of the ad appeared on the Telegram social media app in Russia.

The advertisement asks, “Is your neighbor heating his home above 19 degrees? ” while displaying a young woman on a cellphone. Please let us know,”