AI-Generated Trump Video Used In Karnataka To Dupe Over 200 In Investment Scam

Cybercriminals in Karnataka have defrauded over 200 individuals in recent months by circulating an AI-generated video of former US President Donald Trump to promote bogus investment schemes.

As per a report by The Indian Express, victims were duped into investing in what was falsely advertised as the "Trump Hotel rentals" programme, which offered fake work-from-home opportunities and promises of high returns.

Photo Credit: PTI, Pexels

The scam has been reported in cities including Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, and Haveri, with the latter alone accounting for over 15 victims, the report noted.

According to police, fraudsters targeted individuals via social media and video-sharing platforms such as YouTube, embedding the AI-generated video of Trump in short clips that redirected users to download a mobile app.

Victim's Account

One victim, a 38-year-old lawyer, told The Indian Express that he lost nearly ₹6 lakh to the fraud over three months.

"I came across a video in January this year promoting investment in Trump Hotels. After clicking on the link, I was asked to fill out a form and enter bank details. Initially, I paid a deposit of ₹1,500 and received ₹30 daily in my profile, which I could withdraw after it reached ₹300," he recounted.

The app simulated rising returns with each completed task, such as writing company profiles, giving users the impression that the income was genuine.

Enticed by regular payments in the initial phase, victims were gradually coaxed into investing more significant amounts, with assurances of doubling their money within 24 hours.

"Eventually, they asked me to pay taxes to withdraw my returns, but the money never came," the advocate added.

Police said several people from government departments, law enforcement, and business sectors have also fallen for the scam.

The Cybercrime, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police station in Haveri has registered a case and begun an investigation.