A phony Prince Albert II is among a group of well-heeled hustlers impersonating “high ranking personalities” and targeting Monaco’s elite, authorities are warning.
The ersatz prince contacted a well-known French journalist via WhatsApp video chat last fall saying he desperately needed cash to spring a reporter from the clutches of an Islamist group, Monaco Matin reported.
The reporter didn’t fall for the con, and called the cops instead, the outlet reported.
Authorities on Saturday confirmed that scammers are being sought in the Mediterranean millionaire’s playground, but didn’t say if the bunch included a fake Albert.
“For several weeks, individuals who are part of organized groups, have been stealing the identities of high-ranking personalities and trying to establish personal contact,” with targets described as “leaders of society or people with responsibility,” according to the statement reported by Agence France Presse.
The con-artists used official stationery for letters requesting money and calls they made appeared to come from real government or other institutional numbers, the government added.
“All this is intended to obtain, under the pretext of an urgent financial need, money transfers from foreign bank accounts, particularly in Asia,” the statement said.
Cops have yet to catch any of the crooks.
Police urged the 32,000 residents of the glamorous municipality to watch out and verify contacts from unusual sources.
Prince Albert II, the son of Hollywood star Grace Kelly and previous monarch Prince Rainier III took the reigns of Monaco in 2005.
The real prince is worth roughly $2.4 billion.
The glittery seaside city-state attracts high-flyers with tax breaks and is home to the legendary Monte Carlo casino.