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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE]

2 clusters · 2 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: CULTURE

European royals targeted by Instagram scams

Entities: Louis Ducruet · Instagram · Monaco · Princess Stéphanie of Monaco · Prince Sverre Magnus

Overview

In early July 2026, a fake verified Instagram account impersonating Norway’s Prince Sverre Magnus was reported, marking the first known instance of social‑media fraud directed at a European royal.

Later that month, Louis Ducruet, the son of Monaco’s Princess Stéphanie, disclosed that a private photograph of his had been stolen to create a fraudulent Instagram profile. He warned followers that the account was being used for impersonation on WhatsApp and highlighted that similar scams had already targeted other royals, including the Norwegian prince. The two reports together illustrate a growing pattern of Instagram‑based impersonation schemes aimed at members of European royal families.

Timeline

  1. about 19 hours ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Louis Ducruet warns followers after private photo used in fake Instagram scam

    Louis Ducruet, son of Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, exposed a fake Instagram account using his private photo and warned followers not to trust the associated phone number.

  2. 22 days ago

    [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Norwegian Prince Sverre Magnus Targeted by Fake Verified Instagram Account

    A verified Instagram fake impersonating Norway’s Prince Sverre Magnus amassed ~13,000 followers; the royal house denied its authenticity, reported it to Meta, and warned of digital impersonation risks.

Sources

lommelegen.no · seher.no