Fake 'Trump App' Scam in Karnataka Dupes Over 150 People of ₹1 Crore

Victims from cities including Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, and Haveri have filed complaints with the police. 


In a shocking case of cyber fraud in Karnataka, over 150 people have reportedly lost more than ₹1 crore to a digital scam involving a fake app named after former U.S. President Donald Trump. The fraudsters, operating under the guise of a legitimate investment scheme, used AI-generated videos of Trump to falsely endorse the app and gain the victims’ trust.

Deepfake Technology Used to Enhance Credibility

The scammers circulated an AI-generated deepfake video of Donald Trump, making it appear as though the former U.S. President was personally promoting the app. This Trump app scam leveraged cutting-edge deepfake and AI video manipulation technologies to fabricate a believable narrative, promising quick and high returns on investments. Many victims, convinced by the realistic-looking video and the lure of rapid wealth, downloaded the app and transferred significant amounts of money.

State-Wide Impact and Victim Demographics

The scam spanned across multiple regions in Karnataka, affecting residents in cities including Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, and Haveri. Most victims came from middle-income backgrounds and were reportedly approached through social media platforms, WhatsApp forwards, and other digital communication channels.

After discovering the fraud, several victims filed complaints with local police stations, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation. Cybercrime cells are now analyzing the app’s origin, mode of operation, and the digital trail of the scammers. Authorities suspect an organized cybercrime network may be behind the scheme, possibly with international links.

Growing Threat of Deepfake Scams in India

This incident adds to the rising number of AI video scams in India, where fraudsters use deepfake content to mislead and manipulate. With the increasing accessibility of AI tools, even those without technical expertise can create convincing fake videos, making it harder for users to discern truth from fiction. The Karnataka fake Trump app fraud serves as a stark reminder of the growing misuse of deepfake technology in cybercrime.

Cybersecurity experts warn that this is just the beginning of a new wave of AI-driven scams, urging users to verify the authenticity of apps and investment schemes. They recommend the public refrain from trusting unsolicited endorsements, especially from seemingly famous personalities via videos or AI-generated messages.

Key Takeaways

Fake Trump investment app scam cost over ₹1 crore to victims across Karnataka.
Over 150 people affected in cities like Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, and Haveri.
AI-generated Trump video used to build credibility.
Victims promised high returns on investment, fell prey to cyber deception.
Incident highlights the rising danger of deepfake scams in India.