Fake Berlin subway billboards spark outrage and mystery over their origin
A series of controversial billboards have appeared across Berlin's underground stations, sparking confusion and debate. The posters, written in Arabic, German, and Russian, read 'Hey, are you stupid? Put your phone on silent'—a message that mimics the style of Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) but was not authorised by the transport company. Since emerging on February 21, the fake campaign has spread online, with many questioning its origin and intent.
The unauthorised posters were first spotted at multiple train stations in the city. They featured the BVG logo alongside the slogan 'Because it's seriously annoying'—a phrase used in past official campaigns. However, BVG quickly denied any involvement and confirmed the materials had been illegally installed. The company moved to remove them as soon as they were reported.
Video footage later surfaced on TikTok, showing individuals in high-visibility vests bearing the logo of Die Draussenwerber—a group known for 'ad busting'—putting up the billboards. The collective took responsibility for the stunt but did not reveal who commissioned it. Despite widespread speculation, the motives remain unclear, with theories ranging from a political statement to deliberate provocation.
The fake campaign echoes BVG's own 2026 initiative, which used blunt language to urge passengers to silence their phones. That official effort, launched in February of that year, also faced criticism for its confrontational tone. This time, however, the posters' multilingual message and unauthorised placement have deepened suspicions about their true purpose.
Authorities have secured video evidence to aid their investigation into the incident. The posters, though removed, continue to circulate on social media, keeping the discussion alive. BVG has reaffirmed that the materials were not part of any official campaign, leaving the identity of those behind the stunt unresolved.
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