Imagine sitting in an airport terminal, patiently waiting for your flight and minding your own business, only to see your face show up in the newspaper and on television, listing you as a wanted criminal. Freaky, right? That is, if you really aren’t a wanted criminal.

Well, that’s exactly what happened to a number of passengers in Germany, thanks to skin and body care company Nivea. Check out the video above.

Those poor people! Not cool, Nivea! Apparently the company’s ad agency thought it would be a great marketing idea to prank innocent people in order to promote its deodorant. And they did a good job of creating realistic scenarios, complete with cleverly-placed fake newspapers, fake public announcements and television newscasts.

Apparently Nivea claims they carefully picked victims who could handle the stress by talking to their friends ahead of time, making sure “a brief moment of stress that would not be a problem.” As if everyone’s friends know exactly how they’ll react if they suddenly become the focus of a police investigation—or worse. Who were their friends? Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz? Seriously, Nivea is lucky none of the victims had a meltdown or slugged their reps during the Grand Reveal!

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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